ANTHONY Wordsworth is aiming to keep Southend United in the running for promotion.

The midfielder, who has netted 10 goals already this season, has helped the Shrimpers stay sixth in the League One standings.

And the 28-year-old is now hoping his deceptive work-rate can ensure Blues pick up a play-off place.

“Everywhere I’ve been people have told me to work harder but the stats show how hard I do actually work,” said Wordsworth.

“I’m in the top two every week for distance covered and I’m running 12km or 13km in every game.

“I’ve seen the footage of me running and my technique does make it seem like I’m not working hard.

"Mick McCarthy mentioned it when I was at Ipswich and so did the gaffer here.

“But the stats show what I’m actually doing and I’ll continue to do it as we look to go up.”

Wordsworth has been a key figure in the Blues side this season.

And boss Phil Brown believes he could be part of the hardest-working midfield in the League.

"I don't know the stats for the other teams but in Will, Lenny and Woody we have three players who come close to covering 40km in every game so that must be right up towards the top I would imagine," said Brown.

"The GPS system we use is a huge thing for me and it really does show up a lot of things.

"Everyone knows all about Woody's quality on the ball and the goals he's been getting but his work-rate is fantastic too.

"He covers so much ground for us."