RYAN Leonard believes automatic promotion is still within reach for Southend United and wants to prove it with a win at Dagenham & Redbridge tomorrow.

Fourth placed Blues are currently five points below the top three teams.

But Leonard is adamant the Shrimpers can claw that back before the end of the season.

“We weren’t pleased to have drawn with Wycombe but it’s not the end of the world because automatic promotion is still within reach for us,” said the 22-year-old midfielder.

“We need to go again now and we’re very capable of clawing back five points with 10 or 11 games to go.

“But we need to start doing it sooner rather than later which makes it another big game tomorrow.”

Leonard is therefore keen to come out on top at Victoria Road.

And he is also eager to rediscover his best form in the centre of the park.

“I’ve been a bit bitty,” said the former Plymouth Argyle trainee.

“I’m playing a different role to last season but I’m enjoying the games and hopefully I can get a few more goals because that’s the only thing really missing at the moment. “