ANTON Ferdinand is urging a disappointed Southend United to step up to the plate against Oxford United this weekend.

The Shrimpers were left feeling frustrated following Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at MK Dons.

But Ferdinand is keen for Blues to get back on track against the U’s.

“We get paid to step up to the plate and that’s what we must do on Saturday,” said the Southend skipper.

“We came off the pitch disappointed to have drawn on Tuesday but we’re at home and we don’t fear anyone there.

“We don’t fear anyone away either but we have a good record at home and we look forward to the game on Saturday.”

The Shrimpers - who have yet to lose at Roots Hall in the League this season - head into the clash sitting 14th in the League One table.

But Ferdinand remains frustrated not to be sitting higher after Blues failed to make their dominance count against MK Dons and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

“I thought we were quite comfortable and we should have won,” said Ferdinand.

“We hit the post and the bar at the end and were quite unlucky.

“We’re just not getting the rub of the green at the moment so we’ve got to be disappointed we haven’t won but it’s another point towards where we want to go.

“Macca had a great chance just before half-time and we’ve missed a penalty as well so on another day we come away from here with three or four goals as well as the three points.”

The Shrimpers have now missed four of their last five penalties.

But Ferdinand is backing Josh Wright - who saw his spot-kick saved by Dons goalkeeper Lee Nicholls on Tuesday night - to bounce back from the disappointment.

“There’s nothing you can put it down to but, knowing Josh the way he is, he will step up again and score the next one,” said Ferdinand.

“He’s mentally strong and, as a team and squad, we all back him.”

And, at the other end of the pitch, Ferdinand is enjoying playing alongside his former Sunderland team-mate Michael Turner at the heart of an experienced back four.

“It’s enjoyable alongside Michael Turner and we’ve been quite comfortable in the two games we’ve had together so far but it’s the clean sheets we want,” said Ferdinand.

“Michael prides himself on clean sheets, just like I do, so we want to be getting them, starting with Saturday hopefully.”