JACK Payne insists Southend United are gunning for revenge when they host Burton Albion at Roots Hall this evening.

The Brewers ended Blues’ promotion dreams last season, beating them in the two legged semi final of the League Two play-offs.

And Payne is therefore desperate to come out on top tonight.

“What happened against Burton last season will be more than enough motivation for us this evening,” said the attacking midfielder.

“After losing last weekend at Wycombe we need to stick together and we need to win to get another good run going so it’s an important game too.”

Payne came on as a substitute during the second leg of the play-offs against Burton last season but was unable to stop the Shrimpers suffering a 3-2 defeat on aggregate.

However, this time around Payne has played much more of a part for Phil Brown’s side.

He currently leads the club’s scoring charts for the season having already hit the back of the net six times this term.

And he also boasts a higher winning percentage from his matches than any other member of the Southend squad to have started more than 10 league games.

Payne’s number of appearances have triggered another year on his contract, to keep him at the club until 2016.

And the youngster is delighted to have now activated the clause.

“I’m glad to have got there, especially as everyone kept asking me after every game how many more times I needed to play,” said Payne.

“Now I’ve got that out the way I can just focus on my game, starting against Burton.”

Blues head in to the game sitting eighth in the League Two table, while Burton sit second having played a game more than most of their promotion rivals.

The Shrimpers are currently five points behind them but will be looking to close that gap this evening.

And Payne, who has bagged five of his six goals away from home, is keen to catch the eye at Roots Hall.

“Maybe I get more space when I play away from home but it’s up to me to deal with that,” said the 20-year-old.

“Hopefully I can do that this evening and help us get a good result.”