JASON Demetriou is confident Southend United will be able to continue their push for the play-offs - despite a mounting injury list.

As many as nine players could be missing for the Shrimpers at Chesterfield on Friday.

But Demetriou - who is Blues’ only fully fit defender - believes Phil Brown’s side will still be able to stay on course for a top six finish.

“The boys who have come in have done well and if anyone else has to come in now I’m sure they will as well because of the squad we have here,” said Demetriou.

“We need to focus on that and not the injuries.

“From my own personal point of view you just get on with doing your job and helping out whoever is next to you.

“But I’m sure whatever team gets selected will be able to win the game and the boys are all quite excited about the games coming up because it’s great to still be among it at all at this stage of the season.”

The Shrimpers are currently seventh in the League One table, a point behind Millwall who occupy the final play-off position with just four games to go.

However, Blues have been beaten in their last two outings.

And Demetriou, who will again line-up at right-back, is desperate for Southend to get back to winning ways.

“The last couple of results have been disappointing but I don’t think we actually played that badly against Charlton on Saturday,” said the 29-year-old.

“We paid the price for not taking our chances but we’re buzzing to get back out there against Chesterfield now.

“It’s going to be another tough game and we’re going to have to make sure we’re on it right from the very start if we’re going to the result we need.”

The game will also see Demetriou reunited with referee Ross Joyce who sent him off at Northampton Town in September before the red card was overturned on appeal.

But the defender has already forgiven Joyce for his error.

“Everyone makes mistakes and he rescinded it which was good,” said Demetriou.

“It’s just one of those things and I am just thinking about the game.”