Southend United's Sean Clohessy to be on best behaviour at Bradford City

The 26-year-old right back has been sent off on his last two visits to Valley Parade. And he is hoping to last the full 90 minutes this time around.

“I think I might just not make any tackles at all such is my luck at Bradford,” joked Cloh-essy, the only ever-present in the Blues’ starting line-up this season.

“It hasn’t gone too well there for me the last couple of times I’ve been there and I might just keep myself to myself when we go there again tomorrow.

“But, joking aside, hopefully I can play the whole game and we can get a victory to get ourselves closer to the play-offs again.”

Southend go into the game sitting ninth in the League Two table, six points below the play-offs with seven games to go.

Blues have also played one match more than seventh-placed Rotherham United, who they must try and overtake.

But Clohessy believes a good Easter weekend could breathe life back into the Shrimpers’ push for promotion.

“If we were to win at Brad-ford and then also beat Fleetwood on Monday then I’m sure the league table would look different again,” said the former Arsenal trainee. “We know that will be hard to do and we’ve made life tough for ourselves now.

“We have seven games to go and five or six wins might be enough for us to get seventh.

“But first and foremost are the games this weekend, starting with Bradford, and we need to try and beat them.”

The clash against the Ban-tams will also be Phil Brown’s first game in charge of Blues since taking over from Paul Sturrock.

And Clohessy hopes the change of management can spark Southend’s league campaign back into life after three disappointing home games without a win.

“Fingers crossed we can get off to a good start with the new manager,” said the defender.

“It was sad to see Paul leave, but these things happen in football.

“We wish him the very best for the future, but we have to stay focused on the matches we have left and picking up as many points as possible.”