ESSEX Eagles head coach Chris Silverwood has urged his team to keep calm against Middlesex and Glamorgan and book their place in the T20 Blast quarter-finals.

The Eagles travel to Middlesex tonight before welcoming Glamorgan to the Essex County Ground tomorrow, knowing two victories will guarantee their place in the knock-out rounds.

However, Middlesex and Glamorgan occupy the two spaces above the Eagles in the southern table, with the latter having already qualified.

But Silverwood has backed his team to succeed in front of the Sky Sports cameras tonight, after defeating Glamorgan in the One-Day Cup on Tuesday.

“We need to win these matches, it is as simple as that,” he said. “We feel we can win and I have a lot of belief in these boys.

“I think the guys like being on TV and gives the profile of the game more of a boost so it may play a factor. We just have to deal with it and I want them to go out there and grab their chance.

“We have had good preparation with the One-Day Cup win,” he added. “Down to the last seven overs it was getting very nip and tuck but we have players who can take the game away from teams. They have power and it proved to be the case. Browney (Nick Browne), Ravi (Bopara) and Jesse (Ryder) put us in that position so overall it was a very good batting display.”

Essex have been working with sports psychologist William Winstone, who has been helping players remain focused on the field and in high-intensity situations.

And while the results remain to be seen, Silverwood believes it will help as the T20 Blast group stages enter their final throes.

“We just want to keep calm and want to break the opposition down,” he said. “Nothing is too far out of reach. We reshaped winter training which meant the sports psychologist could come in. Whether it has worked or not I will know at the end of the year but I want to give the boys the best chance.”

Silverwood also reserved praise for young talent Aaron Beard, who is currently playing his first ever Under-19 test match for England against Sri Lanka, with further matches to follow next month.

“What Beardy has done this year has been fantastic,” he said. “Considering where he was a year ago it is great to see. He works his heart out and I know he has impressed those at England.

“Everyone here is over the moon and pleased he is fulfilling his potential.”