RYAN Leonard has set his sights on Walsall after helping Southend United get their season back on track.

Leonard scored the Shrimpers’ second goal in a 2-0 win at struggling Coventry City on Tuesday night.

And the midfielder remains delighted to have helped Blues bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

“We knew we had to put it right because Saturday was nowhere near good enough and we’re all happy we’ve been able to do it but we need more of the same against Walsall now,” said Leonard.

“I think we showed at Coventry that Saturday wasn’t really us and that Tuesday night was.

“Everyone was angry and disappointed after what happened at Bristol Rovers.

“You’re going to lose games during the course of a season but it was more the manner of the defeat that hurt.

“Tuesday was how we play and we were right back at it.

“In the first half we were brilliant and we saw it out quite professionally after that.”

Nile Ranger fired the Shrimpers into an early lead at the Ricoh Arena before Leonard also worked his way onto the score-sheet with a deflected effort from long range.

And the 24-year-old was thrilled to net his third goal of the season.

“I don’t tend to score bad goals,” said Leonard.

“It was obviously nice to see it go in because it gave us more of a cushion just before half-time.

“I know Coventry are struggling but they’re in a cup final and are no pushovers so it was a good result for us.”

The victory moved the seventh placed Blues back to within a point of the play-offs.

And Leonard is desperate to maintain Southend’s push for a top six finish.

“We know it’s going to be tough to chase down the likes of Bradford and Millwall but all we can do is try and win the games we have left,” said the midfielder.

“Walsall are up next and they are also trying to get in the play-offs but our home form has been decent this season and we need to continue it.”

And Leonard insists he will be fit enough to face the Saddlers despite Phil Brown’s fears.

“I’ve played 40 games but I feel fine,” he added.

“The tape I’m wearing is just a precaution.”