SOUTHEND United will continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Ireland next week.

The Shrimpers will spend four days training in Dublin and face Ballyfermot United in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher believes it will be of huge benefit for his team ahead of the forthcoming National League campaign.

“It’s brilliant for the lads after what they’ve done for the club and after what pre-season has been like recently,” said Maher.

“It’s been difficult to do anything so the opportunity to get away, train somewhere different and get a game in is going to be brilliant.

“We’re going Monday to Thursday with the game on the Tuesday so we’re really looking forward to it.”

Ballyfermot line up in the Leinster Senior League and Maher is expecting another good game.

“It will be competitive,” said Maher.

“They’ve got a new clubhouse and a good pitch there which is important.

“To get a game at such short notice is really good and we’re grateful to them for hosting us.

“It’s a credit to everyone at the football club so we thank them too and the Shrimpers Trust as well.

"They’ve contributed to help make this happen so we say thank you to them too.”

Blues have triumphed in all three of their pre-season friendlies so far this summer and host League Two side Gillingham this weekend before heading out to Dublin.