SOUTHEND United’s in-form attacker Jack Payne believes the Shrimpers are gearing up for another promotion push.

Tuesday night’s 5-2 win at Oldham Athletic moved Phil Brown’s side up to eighth in the League One table, just a point behind the play-off positions.

But Payne, who has scored two goals in his last three games, feels Blues are now starting to hit top form.

“We’re up to eighth in the table now and we all feel as though we have the ability in the squad to go higher,” said the 21-year-old.

“Maybe at the start of the season we were a bit worried when the first few results didn’t go too well. But we’re showing what we can do now and we don’t fear anyone.

“We’ve played most of the sides in the league as well now so we know we’re good enough to compete and improve on our league position and finish much higher up.”

Blues, who host Wigan Athletic at Roots Hall this weekend, are unbeaten in their last five league games.

And Payne is keen to play a pivotal part in keeping the good run of results going.

“I’m pleased to be back in the team and want to keep on doing well to make sure I stay in there now,” said the popular midfielder.

“I’m playing in my favourite role at the moment and it’s been going well, but I need to do it over a long period of time and not just for a few games.”

With that in mind, Payne is desperate to impress again against Wigan on Saturday.

And he is also keen to rediscover his scoring touch at Roots Hall.

Nine of Payne’s 10 efforts have come on the road for Blues and he has not netted a home goal since scoring against Oxford United last September, something he is now keen to change.

“It would be nice to get a goal at Roots Hall again but getting the three points is what matters most,” said Payne, who has gone 23 appearances without a home goal.

“I’m feeling good at the moment so I’m looking forward to the game.

“I haven’t ever played against Wigan before so I’m not sure what to expect, but if we play like we can then we know we can beat anyone in this league.”