SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hopes rubbing shoulders with Bristol City can inspire his side’s own push for promotion.

The Shrimpers will train at the Robins’ base today in the build up to tomorrow’s clash at Exeter City.

And Brown wants Blues to pick up some tips from their hosts who clinched promotion to the Championships earlier this week.

“We will be training at Bristol City today and hopefully a bit of the great season they’re having can rub off on us,” said Brown.

“It’s been a fantastic year for Steve Cotterill and his team.

“You really have to take your hat off to them and we’re certainly thankful for use of their facilities.

“It’s making sure we’re preparing properly and hopefully we can go on to enjoy promotion, just like them.”

The fifth placed Shrimpers head into the match tomorrow sitting five points behind the automatic promotion places with a game in hand on third placed Wycombe Wanderers.

But Blues have triumphed in their last four games and Brown is adamant his side are ready to capitalise on any slight slips made by the Chairboys.

“We’ve hit some good, consistent form and just the right time of the season,” said Brown.

“We’ve had our ups and down but we’re doing well at the moment and we’re ready and waiting for any slip ups from the sides above us.

“However, the way it’s going for us at the moment is very positive and we want to keep that going against Exeter now.”

The 10th placed Grecians can still make the end of season play-offs.

And Brown is expecting another difficult afternoon in Devon.

“Exeter will be a tough test,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“They will need the three points to keep alive their play-off pus but they will also be feeling a bit deflated after conceding a102nd minute goal at Wycombe in the week.”

Brown is still mulling over his striking partnership for tomorrow’s game with Barry Corr, Joe Pigott and Jake Cassidy all vying for selection.

But fitness doubts still surround right-back John White who was forced to come off with a hip flexor problem towards the end of Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Newport.

“John was the only one not on the training ground yesterday,” confirmed Brown.

“The injury was a lot worse on Wednesday and was then a lot better on Thursday so hopefully he’ll be OK but we can’t guarantee that.”

Ryan Leonard is most likely to replace White if he fails to recover.