SOUTHEND United striker Simon Cox says Saturday’s key clash with table-topping Sheffield United would be the perfect time to complete his century of career goals.

The 29-year-old heads into tomorrow’s match at Roots Hall having hit the back of the net 98 times.

And Cox - who has scored three times in his last three games - would love to make it to triple figures by bagging a brace against the Blades.

“It’s a big game and would be the perfect time for me to get to a century of career goals,” said Cox.

“Making sure the team gets good results will always be the most important thing for me but I want to help that happen by getting goals.

“As a striker that’s your currency and it’s what you get judged on.

“I’ve known for a while that I’m getting close to 100 career goals and it’s always been a target for me to try and reach this season.

“Saturday is an important match with us 13 games unbeaten and Sheffield United top of the league so there would be no better time to get there, just as long as we also got the three points otherwise it’s not really going to mean much.”

Blues head into this weekend’s rescheduled match sitting seventh in the League One table, just a point outside the play-off positions.

And Cox is keen to start what he feels will be a key period with another impressive result.

“Our next five games are all against teams above us in the table so it’s an important period but all we’re thinking about at the moment is Sheffield United and making sure we get a good result,” said the striker.

“We’re at home and four of these five games are at Roots Hall where we have been doing well so we want to keep that going.

“It’s going to be interesting but we’re looking forward to it and want another three points.”

Cox bagged his first Blues goal against Sheffield United back in August when Phil Brown’s side won 3-0 at Bramall Lane.

But he is not surprised the Blades have bounced back well and now top the League One table.

“Normally the teams up the top have the biggest squads and pay the biggest wages and you have that with Sheffield United and Bolton in our league now,” said Cox.

“We’re playing catch up and want to over achieve by churning out results.

“Everyone is trying their hardest and we’re no different.

“We will stick to a formula and teams who do that tend to do well at any level of the game.

“Going 13 games without losing is not to be sniffed at and shows we’re also a strong side at this level.”

Cox is now also Blues’ joint top scorer with seven goals so far this season.

And he believes playing further forward will enable him to add to his tally.

“I was aware I had seven or eight assists but only a few goals so I wanted to move further forward,” said Cox.

“It’s a natural progression and my confidence is high now too.”