SOUTHEND United’s Stephen McLaughlin has stressed the need for positivity ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chesterfield.

Blues were beaten 3-0 at Rochdale last weekend to slip to 22nd in the League One table.

But McLaughlin feels the Shrimpers should still approach this weekend’s game on the front foot as Phil Brown’s side look to continue their recent run of good results at Roots Hall.

“The home results have been really good lately so we should still go into this game feeling positive and I think it’s important we do as well,” said McLaughlin.

“We all know last weekend was disappointing and we sat down to talk about it at the start of the week.

“But we have to look forward now and put things right by winning at the weekend.

“We’ve won four of the last five games at home and if it wasn’t for a very late Peterborough equaliser it would have been five out of five.

“We need to keep on making Roots Hall a horrible place to come and we have to keep on picking up points at home to get out of this position we’re currently in.”

McLaughlin is also eager to help Blues work their way up the table and has enjoyed an encouraging start to the season despite the poor results.

The Irishman is already enjoying his most prolific campaign ever in English football having hit the back of the net on four occasions.

And he is keen to continue his newfound scoring habit while also maintaining full fitness.

“This is already my best season in England for goals mainly because I’ve never really been able to have a real run of games,” said McLaughlin.

“I’ve been in and out of the team because of injuries in the past but I’m working hard on staying fit and want to keep on chipping in with goals.

“My best ever season came back home when I got 18 and if I can get anywhere near that again then it would be absolutely brilliant.”

McLaughlin’s next opportunity to score will come against the Spireites on Saturday.

Danny Wilson’s side are currently 17th in the table.

But McLaughlin is expecting another tough test against them this weekend.

“Chesterfield are a good side and it will be a difficult game, like they all are at this level,” said the 26-year-old.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league and we’ve seen again this season.

“But we really need the three points on Saturday.”