SOUTHEND United hope to be flying in more ways than one this weekend.

The Shrimpers will make the long journey to Blackpool by plane.

And Blues boss Chris Powell is hoping the aerial route will keep his players fresh for Saturday’s clash.

“We’re flying up, which is quite unusual, but we think that will help us,” said the former England international.

“We’ve done it deliberately because we felt as long as we’re up there instead of being stuck on the motorway then it might help us.

“We’re obviously planning to reduce the journey time and this is the best way to do it.

“We’ve got the train a few times, which has been really good, but we can’t get anything back after the game so we’ll be heading back on the coach.

“That’s fine as we have a clear week next week in the build-up to the Rotherham game.

“But we have to make sure we’re ready for another tough battle and we think this is the best way for that to happen.”

Blues endured a 482 mile round trip for Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Rochdale on Tuesday night and face an even longer trip this weekend for what Powell believes will be another tough test for his team.

“Blackpool haven’t travelled so they will be happy to have another home game off the back of the one they won late on against Charlton on Tuesday night,” said Powell.

“We’re expecting another difficult game, just like all the games are in this league.”

Blues head into the game on the back of two successive 0-0 draws.

And Powell’s defensive options have now been further boosted by the return of centre-back John White, who is available again after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered against Peterborough United at the start of February.

“John trained yesterday and he’s a good character,” said Powell.

“When he’s out there you know he’s fit and ready and hopefully he’ll be involved with us at Blackpool now.”

Powell added the Shrimpers have no new injury concerns and will only be missing long-term absentees defender Rob Kiernan (knees) and goalkeeper Ted Smith (shoulder).