SOUTHEND United boss Steve Tilson has told his team to forget the play-offs and push for automatic promotion.

Blues travel to Tranmere Rovers tomorrow four points behind second placed Carlisle United with just two games to go.

But Tilson believes his team, who are fifth in the standings, can still clinch a top two finish.

"It's still possible for us to do it so lets have a real go at getting it," said the 41-year-old.

"We're on a great run having not lost in 13 games and if we can keep that going in the last two matches then who knows what might happen.

"We will certainly be pushing to get it though until a time when it may became impossible for us to do it."

Third placed Doncaster Rovers, who are at home to already relegated Luton Town tomorrow, along with fourth placed Nottingham Forest, who go to Hartlepool United will also be looking to catch up the Cumbrians.

But Tilson wants his own troops to keep up the pressure by grabbing another win at Prenton Park.

"We're going there to try and get the win," he said.

"Tranmere are just outside the play-offs and although they can't get in the top six themselves they are a strong side.

"They beat us at Roots Hall earlier on in the season and the pressure is off them now as well which could be dangerous.

"You never know how these things are going to work but we couldn't be going into the game in a better frame of mind."

Tilson's eagerness to clinch automatic promotion also means he will not be resting any of his star players.

The former Southend midfielder had hinted earlier on in the week that he may freshen up his side to ensure they would be fighting fit for the play-offs.

But he has now opted to field his strongest starting line-up, with the influential Nicky Bailey, Alan McCormack and Lee Barnard all set to figure.

"I won't be resting anyone," confirmed Tilson who is again expected to field an unchanged team.

"It's an important game for us and we want to give ourselves the very best chance of winning it "I know some people want us to get the points to make sure we have the second leg of the play-off semi final at home, but I want second place."