SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell insists his team selection will not be influenced by the length of players’ contracts.

Powell has eight games left this season to decide the futures of a number of his Shrimpers squad.

But Powell says he will continue to pick the strongest starting line-up and will not favour those who still have more to prove.

“My team won’t be built on the length of people’s contracts, that would be remiss of me,” said the Blues boss.

“I will pick a team who I think and feel is right for that game regardless of their contractual situation.

“If they’re out of contract but I think they are right to play I will play them and vice versa so it won’t ever be based on that.

“Of course I’ve got to look at that and see who I think is right for us moving forward whether they are in contract or not.

“But there may be players here on longer term contracts who I feel may be part of things or not.

“They are decisions I have to make as manager alongside my staff and also with (chairman) Ron (Martin) because we have to look at everything playing wise and also financially.”

Seven of the Shrimpers’ starting line-up from Saturday’s 2-0 win against Rotherham United at Roots Hall are out of contract at the end of the season.

But Powell’s main focus is on tomorrow’s clash at Plymouth Argyle and the Blues boss will again have some tough decisions to make as he strives to continue his side’s upward momentum.

“You have to earn your place in the team,” said Powell, who had both Anton Ferdinand and Michael Kightly on the bench at the weekend.

“You’ve got to be very careful and it’s all about now.

“A lot of the players have been at a higher level but you have to look at now.

“Regardless of your age, I’ll play you and it’s good to have quality players starting and on the bench.”

However, Powell also expects to utilise his squad during the Easter weekend.

“We have Plymouth tomorrow and Gillingham on Monday so there’s not much time for recovery and we’ll have to look at that,” said Powell.

“If anyone gets a knock tomorrow it will be hard for them to play Gillingham.

“But we’re looking forward to both games and we want to build on the momentum we’ve already been able to gather.”