SOUTHEND United skipper John White insists playing in Saturday’s play-off final with Wycombe Wanderers will be far less nerve-wracking than watching.

White will lead Blues out as they bid to secure promotion with a win at Wembley.

And the reliable right-back is glad he will not be looking on from the sidelines.

“Before the Morecambe match I was out of the team for a few games because of injury and they were so nervy and difficult to watch,” said White, 28.

“It’s actually much better to be out there playing because you can have some power and some influence on what’s happening in the game.

“So, apart from the physical side of things, it’s probably easier being out there so I’ll be hoping that’s the case at Wembley.”

White will also be hoping to hold the winning trophy aloft at the end of the game and cannot wait to walk out onto the pitch with his team-mates.

“Leading out these lads will be such a proud moment for me and it will be a real honour too,” said the defender.

“If you had actually told me at the start of my career that I would be leading out a team in a Wembley final I wouldn’t have believed you but now it’s here it’s just all about making sure we win the game.”

Promotion would also cap another consistent campaign for White, who was his usual solid self in the semi-final second leg with Stevenage.

And that enthralling clash also saw White make his 100th appearance for the club.

“I didn’t know it was my 100th game until I saw a tweet from the Echo if I’m honest but it’s a nice landmark to have reached,” said White.

“But it’s not about that at the moment, it’s about making sure we get promotion and hopefully game 101 will be more memorable than game number 100.”