SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley feels Tranmere Rovers will be fully focused on Tuesday night's match at Roots Hall despite their weekend trip to Wembley.

Tranmere take on Sunderland in the EFL Trophy final on Sunday.

But Molesley does not think that will work in favour of the Shrimpers tomorrow evening.

“I think they will be trying to impress so they’re picked for Wembley and I don’t think anyone will be holding off,” said the Blues boss.

“The Wembley final is the cherry on the cake for them but the main focus will be promotion I’m sure.

“The League will take priority and they will want to impress.

“But we can only control the way we approach the game.

“We can’t do anything about them and we will have to see what the night brings.”

Tranmere head into tomorrow's game sitting fifth in the League Two standings.

And Molesley has been impressed by how Keith Hill has turned them into serious contenders for promotion since taking charge in November.

“We have the upmost respect for Tranmere and the job Keith Hill has done there,” said Molesley.

“If the season had started when he came in I’ve been told they would be about 10 points clear so they’re vastly improved.

“They have a lot of experience in their squad and it will be another tough challenge.

“But we have to make sure it’s one that brings the best out in us.”

The Shrimpers currently sit 23rd in the table and have failed to score in four of their last five games.

And Molesley is fully aware Blues must improve in the final third while also keeping things tight at the back.

“It’s the area we have to turn our attention to while not forgetting about how solid and hard to beat we are,” said Molesley.

“We’ve got to build on that platform and the longer we’re in games the stronger we are.

“It’s only a matter of time before we take a chance and when we do it will really count for something.

“We came agonisingly close on a number of occasions at Oldham on Saturday but close isn’t good enough. We want more but we are making the chances.”