SOUTHEND United midfielder Ryan Leonard will become the second youngest player in the club’s history to reach 200 games when the Shrimpers host Oxford United at Roots Hall tonight.

Only Glenn Pennyfather has reached the landmark quicker than the 24-year-old.

And Leonard - who joined Blues back in 2011 - hopes to bring up his double century with a much needed win against the O’s.

“I’m proud to be getting to 200 games for the club and hopefully I can mark it with three points,” said Leonard.

“It would be nice to get a goal as well because I’m disappointed not to have scored so far this season.

“But the most important thing is making sure we put things right again because Saturday at Northampton just wasn’t good enough, especially in the second half.”

Blues were beaten 4-0 at the Sixfields Stadium at the weekend.

And Leonard remains frustrated by the defeat which saw the Shrimpers concede four times in the second 45 minutes.

“It was really disappointing, especially after doing so well the week before against Millwall,” said Leonard, who will become just the 43rd player to reach 200 games for Blues.

“In the first half we did more than enough and could easily have taken the lead.

“But we just didn’t come out the blocks at all for the second half and before we knew it we were 3-0 down with a man sent off.

“The game was over and we’re too inconsistent at the moment.

“We need to get back to what we did against Millwall and get a win this evening.”

Blues now sit second from bottom in the League One table, having triumphed just twice so far this term.

And Leonard is expecting another tricky evening against an Oxford side who are currently 13th in the standings following their promotion from League Two last season.

“Oxford have just got promoted but we desperately need the points as much as they do and it will be a tough game,” said Leonard.

“They got a decent point against Charlton at the weekend and that shows we will need a decent performance to get a result.

“But I’m fired up to get out there again after the weekend and I’m sure all the lads think the same.

“We did well in our last home game and now we need to go and do the same again to pick up another three points.”

And Leonard is also keen to get the Shrimpers’ supporters back on side with an improved performance.

“We’ve let the fans down in the last couple of away games,” said Leonard.

“We need to give them something to shout about like we did against Millwall when they showed us what they can also do for us.

“We need them again tonight and hopefully they can get right behind us.

“I think it’s important we get the first goal and get off to a good start in order to get the win.”