SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has heaped praise on Graham Coughlan ahead of his assistant’s 400th game with the Shrimpers tomorrow.

Coughlan - who has been with Blues since 2010 - will reach the landmark at Portsmouth this weekend.

And Brown believes the hard-working Irishman has played a pivotal part in progress made in recent seasons.

“Cocko is absolutely priceless to the club,” said Brown.

“There’s a lot Graham does that people don’t see but I do because we work very closely together.

“A lot of people would have brought their own staff in with them but I saw a lot of good characteristics in him straight away.

“In fact, the reason why I’m still in a job is down to Graham Coughlan.

“I’m now going into the top 10 of longest serving managers in the country and that’s down to your backroom staff, none more than Cocko.”

Coughlan will again be alongside Brown this weekend as Blues bid to continue their recent revival.

The Shrimpers have been beaten just once in their last five games and Brown has every confidence in his side.

“We’re coming into our moment now,” said Brown.

“In the last five games we’ve won three, drawn one and lost one and the one we lost we shouldn’t have done because we’ve had information from PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) that our disallowed goal should have stood.

“We’ve conceded just two goals in those five games - one of which was a penalty- and we’ve had three clean sheets so there’s a lot to admire and we have to take that mentality into Saturday’s game.”

Blues - who will be roared on by a bumper travelling support of close to 1,500 fans - sit 12th in the League One table, level on points with Portsmouth who are one place higher on goal difference.

And Brown knows exactly what to expect at Fratton Park having seen Kenny Jackett’s side in action last weekend.

“I don’t normally get the chance to watch the opposition a week before we play them but I was able to do that with Portsmouth at Blackpool on Saturday,” said Brown.

“I learnt a lot about the style of play and took a hell of a lot from it.

“But with so many of our fans going we need to put in a big performance because this could be a turning point in our season.