SOUTHEND United’s assistant manager Dave Penney believes Blues could not be in better shape ahead of tonight’s hugely important game at Bury.

Victory for the Shrimpers would see them go level on points with third placed Wycombe Wanderers.

And Penney insists the team are full of confidence ahead of their rearranged clash with the Shakers.

“We’re on a decent run, we’ve won five in a row and we’ve kept six clean sheets in succession too so the place is certainly full of confidence,” said Penney.

“We’re battling away and we also have the belief as Saturday showed so we couldn’t really be in better shape ahead of the game and it’s just about making sure we get another good result now.”

Blues are currently fifth in the standings, one place and two points below Bury.

And, with them both looking to close in on the automatic promotion places, this evening encounter is likely to be of huge significance.

“It’s a big game and there can be no denying that,” said Penney.

“It was going to be a big game when we went there for the abandoned game a few weeks ago and the results both teams have had since then make it even bigger.

“Bury have won four in a row so they’re doing well but so are we so bring it on.”

Penney believes Blues must win all three of their remaining league games to achieve automatic promotion.

And, as they attempt to make that happen, skipper John White could also be back in contention tonight.

The right-back missed Saturday’s 1-0 win at Exeter City with a hip problem but will now have to do battle with Ryan Leonard to regain his place in the starting line-up.

“John’s had a bit of a strain and will be having a fitness test before the game but Lenny came in and did well in there on Saturday,” said Penney.

“We always tell players coming in to make sure we keep their shirt and that is what they’ve been doing with the likes of Adam Barrett, Cian Bolger and Gary Deegan good recent examples.

“Results dictate that and it’s hard to change a winning team so I’m sure Lenny will be striving to stay involved.”

Blues in-form striker Barry Corr is also pushing for a recall after two games on the bench but winger David Worrall looks set to remain among the substitutes against his former side.