CHRIS Powell expects Luton Town to provide his Southend United side with a stern test at Roots Hall tomorrow, despite the loss of Nathan Jones as manager.

Jones, an ex-Shrimpers left-back, opted to leave Kenilworth Road to take charge of Championship club Stoke City earlier this month.

But Powell is certain Luton, who sit second in the League One standings, will still be extremely tough to beat this weekend.

“I don’t see Luton changing much, despite losing Nathan Jones, and why should they because it’s been going so well for them,” said Powell.

“Nathan is a coach I know extremely well from Charlton and he did a great job there.

“He got them promoted from League Two and they’ve continued that momentum now so we’re in for a tough test.

“We’re playing against a team who have been unbeaten for a long time now and we know we’re going to be up against it.”

However, Powell is excited by the challenge and has called on his side to build on Saturday’s fine 4-0 win at Bradford City, which the 49-year-old felt was Blues’ best display of the season.

“We’ve got it in us to match these teams but we have to maintain the intensity we showed at Bradford,” said Powell.

“We will need to start well and approach it with real gusto but these are the games you look forward to.

“The table shows Luton are one of the best teams at the moment so you want to test yourselves against those kinds of sides.

“I hope it’s one the players will enjoy but, being honest, I never enjoy any of the games until the final whistle blows and we’ve won.

“Saturday was great and we had the right attitude both going forward and at the back as well.

“The header from George (Miller) was the only real chance Bradford created so we want more of the same now really.”

Blues have not won back-to-back games since October.

But Powell is keen for that to change in a clash which is expected to attract a crowd of more than 8,000 with the visitors bringing a bumper away following of around 2,000.

“It will be a good atmosphere with Luton bringing so many fans as well,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“That adds to the excitement and it will be good for Stephen Humphrys and Sam Hart to experience playing at Roots Hall for the first time, if they are selected of course.

“But I do feel it’s up to us to get the fans going so we’ll be doing all we can to produce the level of performance we need to win.”