MOST Southend United players will be entering the unknown at Oxford City this weekend – but not James Morton.

The midfielder, who was restored to the Shrimpers starting line-up against York City on Saturday, has previously played at the RAW Charging Stadium.

And he will helping his team-mates where possible in a crunch clash for both sides.

“I played them a couple of times last year and a few times over the years,” said Morton.

“I know what to expect and I know their ground too.

“It's a tricky place to go to and they've got a couple of tricky players.

“I'll definitely be helping the lads to be aware of a couple of their players and I'm sure some of them haven't played there before so I'll help however I can “But this is one we believe we can win to get out of this bad form.”

The Shrimpers are currently 19th in the table having suffered three defeats in succession.

And Morton remains frustrated by Saturday’s 1-0 loss to York.

“I think frustrated would be the right word to use,” said the midfielder.

“We felt like we were in control even though it probably wasn't the best of games at times.

“They seemed happy for a point and it was our game to take but we just needed that goal.

“Football can bite you when you don't take your chances and you've got to make the most of it when you're on top.

“We're really disappointed and frustrated more than anything else but it's football and we'll stay together for Saturday.”

Blues remain above the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of this weekend’s match with bottom of the table Oxford.

But Morton, who signed from Weston-super-Mare in December, was happy to be handed a recall in the centre of the park.

“I'm massively grateful to the gaffer for the opportunity and I feel like I'm really settled now,” said Morton.

“I've got used to the tempo and the level of the lads and the way the manager wants to play.

“I was pleased to be given the chance and it was one I gave everything for.

“I just hope that I can carry on starting and add something.

“I want to try and impress and help the team to win too.”

Morton is looking to make an impression at both ends of the pitch and caught the eye with a brilliant last ditch challenge on Dipo Akinyemi when the York striker seemed set to score.

“As I was running back I was waiting for the right moment to make a challenge if I had the chance,” said Morton.

“Luckily he slowed down enough for me to able to get a foot in.

“You do think it could be a red card if you time it wrong but I had to make sure it was the right moment and thankfully I got my foot in and we got a goal-kick which was which even better.

“I was happy with that.”

But Morton is also eager to make a difference in attack as the Shrimpers look to end a run of three matches without scoring.

“It's all of us,” stressed Morton.

“It's so easy to blame strikers and forward players but we have all chances.

“We all need to chip in and that will allow confidence to grow across the team.

“As a midfielder I feel responsible for goals as well.

“We all need to help get that win to get us back on track.”