The Shrimpers host Doncaster this weekend in the semi-final first leg brimming with confidence following a run of one defeat from the last 15 games.

Barnard, who has scored nine goals since joining from Tottenham in January, is now relishing the chance of pitting his wits against Rovers.

"There is a real confidence amongst us and we are looking forward to playing in the play-offs," Barnard told Blues Insider. "It prolongs our season, but we don't mind that, as it's a great achievement.

"Looking at it, we have a great chance in the play-offs of going all the way through to the final and winning. We are all looking forward to it.

"I always felt that we could make the play-offs. I knew Southend were a good team with good players and since I've been here, it has reassured me that everything I thought about the club was right."