SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists he could take a leaf out of Paul Sturrock’s book in a bid to keep alive the Shrimpers’ push for the play-offs.

Brown could be missing as many as nine players from his squad for this afternoon’s clash at Chesterfield.

But the Blues boss could opt to use players who are not 100 per cent fit.

“I was talking to Graham Coughlan and asking him what the former manager would have done,” said Brown, who replaced Sturrock at Roots Hall in March 2013.

“He would have wheeled them out and played them which is short term mentality.

“I’m more long-term but the short-termism of Paul Sturrock now applies.

“You need to get the strongest team out there, win the game and then move onto the next one.”

Blues are back in action against MK Dons on Monday and will definitely be boosted by the return of Ryan Leonard for the game at Roots Hall.

The influential midfielder will complete a three match suspension - for a red card he received against Oldham Athletic - this afternoon and will therefore be free to line up against the Dons.

And Brown is hopeful left-back Ben Coker will also be able to figure.

“The Chesterfield game is too early for Ben but he’s making good progress and he’s feeling good again,” said Brown.

“We’re hopeful he will be able to play a part on Monday.”

Coker has missed Blues’ last two games with a knee problem and had initially been expected to miss the rest of the season.