SHRIMPERS striker Lee Barnard is ready to see off another of his former sides tomorrow.

The forward bagged a brace in last weekend's 3-1 win at his old Crewe Alexandra team.

And he is aiming for more of the same against Northampton Town, who he played for on loan during the 2004/05 season.

"It would be great to do something similar because it's another big game for us," said Barnard, 23.

"Players often score against their old sides so hopefully I can do it again tomorrow to help us get the win we need to make sure of our place in the play-offs."

Barnard made five appearances during his short stay with the Cobblers but failed to hit the back of the net.

But since signing for the Shrimpers he has scored seven goals in nine starts and he is hungry for more as he strives to become the club's top goalscorer.

"It would be nice if that could happen," said Barnard, who is currently four behind leading marksman Nicky Bailey.

"I know a few of the boys have a bet going about who will finish first but they won't let me join it, so I must have got them a little bit worried."

In a further boost Barnard has also become Blues' first choice penalty taker. He neatly tucked away a spot kick in a recent reserve team clash with Norwich City and looks set to be given more chances from 12 yards after taking over the responsibilities from Peter Clarke.

"I don't think Clarkey is too happy but for the last two matches I have been on penalties," said Bar-nard. "That's good for me because it's a good chance to get more goals and that's what I'm all about.

"But making sure we win the game matters the most and I'd rather get three points than a goal."

Manager Steve Tilson is also desperate for a win which to make sure of his side's place in the play offs, but he does not believe his team can overtake second-placed Carlisle United, who are eight points ahead of the Shrimpers.

"I don't think Carlisle will slip up that much and for us the aim is to make sure we finish in the play-offs," said Tilson.

"We still need three points to do that and we want to get them as quickly as we can. Nothing has been sorted out yet and that's all we're thinking about.

Blues have no new injury concerns for tomorrow's clash and there are again doubts over striker Hal Robson-Kanu, who has missed the last three matches with a sore Achilles.

Midfielder Bailey will also be hoping to go through the game without being booked.

The influential 23-year-old is just one caution away from picking up a two match suspension but after this weekend his previous nine yellow cards will be wiped out by the Football League.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Mulgrew, Black, McCormack, Bailey, Gower, Walker, Barnard, MacDonald, Revell, Grant, Moussa, Collis and Robson-Kanu.