SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell feels the Shrimpers have made the most of an enforced break in their season.

Defeat in the first round of the FA Cup at Dover Athletic meant Blues were without a game at the weekend and have now gone 10 days without a match.

But Campbell was keen to make the most of the break.

“We’ve worked hard in training and we also had an internal game among ourselves,” said the 45-year-old.

“We wanted to see what we’ve got with the under-23s as well and it was nice to have a mixture out there.

“We played three lots of 25 minutes at the ground and it was good for some of the guys who had just come back to have more playing time.

“It was good to have a look at Sam Mantom and to see Jason Demetriou out there too and to see just where everyone is.

“But we’ve got a lot from it and the same can be said of the training which has been good.”

In contrast to Blues, Burton have played three games in the past 10 days.

But Campbell is unsure if that will make any difference to the game.

“Obviously from our point of view I hope it will make a difference but I’m not sure if it will to be honest,” said Campbell.

“The fixtures can pile up but we’re in a position where we can’t really think too much about the opposition and who they have played.

“It has to be about us and we have to make sure we pick up points.”

Campbell has been beaten in his first four League games in charge of the Shrimpers and is desperate to pick up a victory against the Brewers.

But the Blues boss will again be without midfielder Luke Hyam (hamstring) and striker Charlie Kelman (ankle).

Long-term absentees Sam Barrett (cruciate ligaments), Lewis Gard (cruciate ligaments) and Harry Kyprianou are still unavailable.

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