STEPHEN McLaughlin insists Southend United’s run of good form will count for nothing unless the Shrimpers finish the season in the play-offs.

Phil Brown’s side have been beaten just five times in their last 30 outings to move up to seventh in the League One standings.

But McLaughlin believes Blues will take little joy from bouncing back from a slow start unless they finish in the top six.

“The start we had wasn’t good enough and we’ve done well to recover but we’re not going to take anything from it unless we’re in the play-offs,” said the winger.

“All our hard work will count for nothing unless we’re in the top six so we’re determined to make it.

“We have four games to go and they are all cup finals.”

The first of those will come at Chesterfield on Friday.

And, despite the Spireites being 23rd in the League One table, McLaughlin is expecting another tricky test.

“Sometimes these kinds of games are the most difficult,” said the 26-year-old.

“They’re fighting for survival and they’re going to be fired up against us so we’re going to have to match them where that’s concerned because it has the making of a tough game.”

The seventh placed Shrimpers, who are currently a point below the play-offs, will also be going into the clash on the back of two successive defeats.

But McLaughlin is determined to play a key part in Blues getting back on track having now fully recovered from an ankle injury which kept him sidelined for 10 weeks.

“I’ve had six or seven games back now and I’m disappointed not to have scored in them,” said the Irishman.

“I had a few chances at Charlton but once I get one I think more will follow so hopefully I’ll score against Chesterfield on Friday and we can get the result we want.”