SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell believes it would be foolish to start thinking of the League One play-offs.

The Shrimpers - who head to Oldham Athletic tomorrow - have taken 13 points from a possible 15 since Powell’s appointment at the end of January.

But Powell, whose side have risen to 13th in the standings, is refusing to contemplate a top six finish.

“My remit when I came in was to start getting results and I haven’t spoken about anymore than that and I won’t because you would be foolish to start doing that,” said Powell.

“You’ve seen how things can go, so lets just see where we are after every game.

“If we improve our position then great and if after another three or four games that continues then you can see what you could possibly go for at that stage.

“But, equally, you have to be mindful of the teams below you who are doing their best, just like Oldham.”

Blues will head to Boundary Park sitting seven points below the play-offs with 13 games to go.

However, Powell will not be looking too far ahead and will instead be focusing on facing a former team-mate of his this weekend.

“I know (Oldham manager) Richie Wellens really well as we were team-mates at Leicester City,” said Powell.

“He was a very stylish midfielder and his team started off like that too.

“They got some really good results before having a bit of a dip, which happens at this level.

“But they’ve made a few changes and they’ve picked up again, so it’s a tough game for us.

“They’re fighting for their lives and it’s going to be a real test of our resolve.

“We will have to deal with the journey and the pitch.

“I’m quietly confident we’ll be able to handle that, it’s just about performing on the day and giving a good account of ourselves.”

Oldham are currently 21st in the standings, but Powell will not yet be able to call upon Michael Kightly.

The experienced winger suffered a hamstring injury in a 0-0 draw at Bury last Tuesday.

And Powell is not yet sure when he will be ready to return.

“Ask the physio, I don’t know anything about scan results,” said the 48-year-old Blues boss.

“I just know if he’s available for training or for games and he’s not at the moment.

“He won’t be in the squad for Saturday’s game.”