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BLUES boss Steve Tilson believes his side are underdogs to reach the final of the League One play-offs.

The Shrimpers start their push for glory with the first leg at home to Doncaster Rovers tonight.

But Tilson insists the Yorkshire outfit are favourites to progress to the final where they would face either Carlisle or Leeds United.

"We're definitely the underdogs and every pundit I've heard talking about the play-offs has written us off which is fine by me," said Tilson.

"I understand where they are coming from because we sneaked it towards the end of the season, while Doncaster were up there all year so they are the favourites.

"In my mind they are also the best footballing side in the division so we know the size of the task that's facing us but we will be giving it a right go."

Tilson will also be back in the dugout tonight having completed a two-match touchline ban.

The 41-year-old was forced to watch on from the stands against Tranmere Rovers and Port Vale after an FA charge for aiming bad language at referee Danny McDermid following the 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient in February.

And he is glad to be back on the bench.

"You do get a better view up there but I don't like having to sit in the stand," said Tilson.

"I've never been a real ranter but it means I can get my point across if I need to and that's obviously a good thing."

It will also enable Tilson to try and keep his team calm while under severe pressure as they seek an immediate return to the Championship.

"The biggest fear is that the players get too nervous and end up freezing," he said.

"That's what you don't want to happen and we will be doing everything we can to keep the players relaxed.

"They have been superb in getting us into the play-offs and just need to keep on going the same way."

Southend will also be back to full strength for the game with key trio Mark Gower, Nicky Bailey and Lee Barnard, who were all rested for the 1-1 draw against Port Vale, back in the starting line-up.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Mulgrew, Black, McCormack, Bailey, Gower, Walker, Barnard, Revell, Robson-Kanu, Collis, Moussa, Hooper and MacDonald.

>LEEDS United, who missed out on promotion after a 15-point deduction was upheld by the Football League earlier this week, host Carlisle in the first leg of the other League One semi-final at Elland Road on Monday, kick-off 7.45pm.

6:10am Friday 9th May 2008

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