SOUTHEND United manager Sol Campbell will rally the troops before tomorrow’s tough-looking clash against Coventry City at Roots Hall.

Third placed Coventry face the second from bottom Shrimpers having not been beaten since mid-December.

And Campbell is fully aware of the size of the task facing his side.

“It’s a difficult game but they’re all difficult games in this League,” said the former England international.

“We have to be ready and we’ll patch them up and go again.

“The first half at Peterborough was excellent and we need to try and play like that for the 90 minutes.

“We know it’s tough but we have to set ourselves up properly and give it our best shot”.

Blues have suffered two successive defeats on the road since beating Lincoln City last time out at Roots Hall to secure their first home success of the season.

And Campbell is keen for another strong showing at home.

“We want another good performance,” said Campbell.

“But it’s tough and we’ll be relying on a lot of our young players again.

“We have the under 23 squad really and ideally we wouldn’t have that many of them all in at the same time.

“But it is what it is and we have to do our best.”

Blues go into tomorrow’s game sitting 13 points from safety and will again be able to call on young striker Emile Acquah.

The forward came off the bench during the second half of Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Peterborough United.

And Campbell brought the youngster back from his loan spell at Maidenhead United to provide another option in attack.

“We don’t have many bodies so we brought him back,” said Campbell.

“We have to do what we can.”

Charlie Kelman is pushing for a recall in attack this weekend after being on the bench at Peterborough United.

Winger Sam Barratt missed out with a hamstring problem against Posh and is again doubtful for tomorrow’s clash.

Striker Stephen Humphrys is unavailable with a broken nose while midfielder Lewis Gard is not ready to be involved after making his comeback from a long-term injury with the under 23s in the week.