SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has labelled tomorrow’s night’s clash at table-topping Burton Albion as his biggest league game in charge of Blues.

Brown’s fourth placed side are currently eight points behind the Brewers with 10 League Two games remaining.

And the Shrimpers chief therefore believes the outcome of the game will be hugely significant in the push for promotion.

“It’s the biggest game of the season so far and it’s also the biggest in the league since I arrived at the football club,” said Brown, who has been in charge at Blues since March 2013.

“We had two very big games against Burton in the play-offs last season but that’s outside the league competition and they’re cup game really.

“But this is certainly the biggest league game I’ve had and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Blues also head in to the game on the back of a 3-1 victory at Dagenham on Saturday.

The triumph pushed them back to within three points of the automatic promotion places.

And Brown now hopes to make it back to back wins by also beating the Brewers, who have lost just three of their 18 home games so far this season.

“We had Burton watched on Saturday against Accrington and while the 3-0 score-line looks very convincing I’m not sure the performance actually was,” said Brown.

“Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink made reference to that in his press conference after the game but he has taken to his role like a fish to water and it will certainly be a real test for us going there.”

But Brown is keen to use the extra day’s preparation to enhance his side’s chance of claiming all three points at the Pirelli Stadium.

And it will also give in-form striker Barry Corr and left-back Ben Coker more time to shake off the slight knocks they suffered during the win at Dagenham.

“It’s unusual to be playing on a Wednesday but we will be using that to our advantage,” said Brown.

“Ben Coker came out of Saturday’s game a bit sore in the abductor muscle area so he will be wrapped up in cotton wool, along with Barry Corr who took a whack to his foot.

“Fingers crossed they will train today and be fine for the game but the extra day will certainly help them and we can also work on a few other things.

“We’re preparing properly and will be staying up after the game so we also do the same for Saturday’s game with Cambridge.”