SEAN Clohessy wants Southend United to prove there is not much difference between the bottom two leagues in their next two games.

Blues travel to Bury in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday before hosting Brentford in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Trophy four days later.

And Clohessy wants Paul Sturrock's side to show than can mix it with teams from the division above.

“I personally don't think there is much difference between League Two and League One and hopefully we can go and show that in our next two games,” said Clohessy.

“The football is pretty much the same in that it's all about percentages of play and you have to do what is needed to win games.

“But we want to test ourselves against better sides and we have a chance to do that now.

“We know it will be hard because Bury are bang on form at the moment but we've been doing well too just recently and want to keep it going.”

Blues currently find themselves top of the form guide in League Two after going through the whole of November unbeaten.

And Clohessy, who remains the only ever present in the Southend starting line-up this season, feels the team's new look midfield has been the main reason for the improved run of results.

“I think Marc Laird and Tamika Mkandawire coming in on loan have made a huge difference,” said Clohessy.

“We're very solid in midfield now and the four players in there have been fantastic.

“They protect the back four well and also launch attacks which has helped us score plenty of goals so hopefully that can continue, both in the league and the cups.

“I've never been involved in a cup run before and it would be nice if that could change.”

Blues boss Paul Sturrock will be forced in to making at least two changes for tomorrow's clash at Gigg Lane as striker Britt Assombalonga and midfielder Mkandawire have been denied permission to play by their parent clubs.

Fit again Ryan Leonard or Alex Woodyard are in line to replace Mkandawire while Assombalonga's place will be taken by either Barry Corr or Freddy Eastwood.

Neil Harris (knee) remains Southend's only absentee.