Kevin Maher insists Southend United will be ready for crunch clash at Weymouth

The Shrimpers have not played since Boxing Day due to positive coronavirus tests in the squad.

But Maher now has enough players to pick from this weekend and is hoping for a strong showing against one of their biggest relegation rivals.

“I’m very confident we’ll play on Saturday and we’ll be ready to go,” said the Blues boss.

“We still have a couple of Covid cases and people have been off this week.

“One or two came back yesterday, one’s due back today and one will still be missing as well.

“It’s still ongoing and it changes day by day because of how the situation is but we’re prepared.

“It’s still causing a bit of havoc but it’s something all clubs are having to deal with and we’ll definitely be ready for the game.”

The Shrimpers will be without Jack Bridge, who tested positive for Covid at the start of the week, for tomorrow’s clash but both defender Ollie Kensdale and central midfielder Harrison Neal are pushing to make their debuts in an important encounter.

Blues sit immediately above the relegation zone, just one place and one point above Weymouth.

And Maher is fully aware just how important Saturday’s clash, and the month ahead, could prove to be.

“We’ve spoken about how big this month is for us,” said Maher.

“It starts Saturday and it’s a really, really big game for us.

“We have a lot of games coming up but Weymouth is first and they have some very good players.

“I know their manager and the way he likes to play.

“They’re a good footballing side so it’s going to be a tough game for us but it’s one we're ready for.

“We managed to have a practice match here on Tuesday so those who needed minutes got them which was important and we’re looking forward to Saturday now.”

Weymouth, who have ex Shrimpers Tyler Cordner and Brandon Goodship in their squad, have suffered six National League defeats in succession.