Caretaker boss Mick Tait has warned his players not to underestimate Southend ahead of this afternoon's Third Division clash at Roots Hall.

Tait is confident one more victory will ensure League status for another season but insists today's opponents will be no pushovers.

The Shrimpers, who lie one place above Quakers in the table, have lost six of their last seven League games and recently parted company with manager Rob Newman.

However, Tait remains cautious and feels the Essex side will be just as determined to collect all three points under caretaker manager Stewart Robson.

"You know runs like that don't continue and they've got to come to an end at some point," said Tait.

"I'm not looking at their record as any kind of favour to us at all.

"If anything that will work against us.

"One more win will see us safe and it would be nice to get it at Southend.

"Obviously it is not as easy as that because they're in a similar situation and they'll want to get one more win to make sure.

"It will be a tough game, we know that for sure."

Tait must once again work his plans around injuries and suspensions.

Midfielder Clark Keltie starts a two-match ban, while Barry Conlon serves the final game of a two-match suspension against his former club.

In addition Tait is without the injured Richard Hodgson (groin) and Matt Clarke (ankle).

Despite the loss of key players, Tait has no qualms about making changes after the recent wins against Scunthorpe and Bury.

"We've had two great results even though we have had players missing who would have been in the starting line-up," said Tait.

"It's not easy when you've got key players out but I think we've coped well.

"But that's what you have a squad for and the lads who have came in have done a good job for us."

Tait is expected to keep faith with a five-man midfield which has proved so effective in recent weeks with Ryan Valentine expected to be handed a recall as left-wing back.

He will replace loanee Tom Newey, who could move in to a more central position alongside Neil Maddison and Ashley Nicholls.

Tait has already made no secret of his desire to bring Leeds youngster Newey to the club on a permanent basis after he impressed on his debut last week along with Blackburn striker Jim Corbett. Both players are out of contract in the summer and would no doubt make welcome additions to Tait's young squad.

While safety remains a priority this season, Tait is optimistic about the club's long-term future.

"We believe we have a decent side and we've proved that against the top teams," said Tait.

"We're as good as them but they're more consistent than us.

"The top two have a squad who have been together for quite a while and that helps.

"That's what's missing out of our team but we'll get there.

"We have tried to instil some consistency into the players but we haven't quite got there yet.

"We've got some good young players and I think they'll get better as time goes by."

Tait remains confident that his young side will come good and eventually challenge for honours - providing they snap out of some nasty habits.

Quakers have drawn 17 of their 40 League games this season and that, according to Tait, has prevented them from making any kind of progress up the table.

"What has let us down more than anything is the amount of draws we've had," said Tait.

"We all know we should have won a lot more games and that's the reason why we're not nearer the play-offs.

"A few more wins would have given us more confidence and who knows where we could have been now?"

Tait last night rubbished reports claiming players would have to pay for their own hotel rooms for their stay in Southend.

"I don't know where these rumours have came from but they're absolute nonsense."

Read more about the Quakers here.