SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is keen to make the most of his side’s enforced break in their season.

The Shrimpers face almost a fortnight without a fixture due to being knocked out of the FA Cup in the first round by Chester.

But Brown is aiming to use that to his advantage.

“We have a bit of a break now and we need to make sure we utilise it the best we can because not every team in our division has this rest,” said the Blues boss.

“It’s a chance for us to get injured players fit again and to rest up some of the others.

“I will be treating it like an international break and will be making sure our players are as fit and fresh as possible for the next match.”

The Shrimpers are currently fifth in the League Two table and made it four league wins in a row by beating Northampton Town 2-0 at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Brown now wants to build on the victory but faces the toughest possible test when Blues return to action as they travel to table-topping Wycombe Wanderers in their next outing.

“We face a very big test at Wycombe and we need to ready for it,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“I remember our game there vividly last season, they were struggling and beat us 2-1.

“But they’re certainly not struggling this season and they’re flying at the moment.

“They’re top of the table and certainly have potency in attack.

“I know Paul Hayes from my time from Preston and he’s a real threat.

“After that we have Burton who are also doing well, before taking on Cambridge and Dagenham & Redbridge so have some tough hurdles to come now ahead of the half way point in the season.”