STEPHEN McLaughlin feels tomorrow’s match with Millwall is just what Southend United need to end their slump in fortune.

Blues have triumphed in just one of their seven league matches so far this season and are currently 22nd in the League One table.

But McLaughlin believes taking on the Lions is perfect for the Shrimpers after their stuttering start to the campaign.

“There’s no better game for us at the moment,” stressed the winger.

“We always show up for the big games and this is definitely a big game we’re all looking forward to.

“We know where we should be in the table and we’re not in the right position at the minute.

“That can turn around and I think it will because of the players we have here.

“But hopefully the fans will back us at the weekend and we will come good by getting a good result.”

For that to happen Southend will need to improve on last weekend’s disappointing 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

However, McLaughlin stressed it was important to not dwell on the convincing setback suffered at Glanford Park “Last week was hard to take and after the game we had a long conversation but you can’t afford to dwell on defeats,” said the Irishman.

“Of course it hurts for a couple of days but the only way to only recover is to make sure you do better in the next game, so that’s what we’re focusing on now.

“We want to put things right and training this week has been good.

“We’ve prepared well and we’re looking to get out there and get the result which can hopefully change our season.”

Blues will also be bidding to secure their first home league win of the new term after failing to emerge victorious from their opening three matches at Roots Hall so far.

And McLaughlin revealed the Shrimpers would be heading into the clash on the back of some clear-the-air talks in Scunthorpe.

“A few home truths were said last week after the game and it cleared the air,” said the winger.

“A few things were pointed out and spoken about and hopefully that can make a difference for the Millwall match now.”

McLaughlin is also keen to be involved against the Lions and has fully recovered from the knee injury which forced him to drop out of the starting line-up for the last three matches.

“My knee was swollen up and took too long to go back down but it’s all good again now,” said McLaughlin, who has scored three goals already this season.

“I played in the game at Peterborough on Tuesday and came through it fine, so I’m back to fitness now.

“I’m ready for the game tomorrow if selected.”