STEPHEN Humphrys feels Southend United can still stay up this season having previously escaped a similar situation while on loan at Rochdale.

The Shrimpers have struggled so far this term and remain second from bottom in the League One standings, 10 points from safety.

But Humphrys is certain Blues can close the gap.

“When I was on loan at Rochdale we were rock bottom and 12 points behind but we managed to stay up so anything is still possible,” said Humphrys.

“It’s been hard and some lads do get down.

“Others try and cheer everyone up but the main thing is to not get too high or too low and try to remain balanced but we’re definitely all still together.”

The Shrimpers, who head to Bristol Rovers this weekend, drew 1-1 at Burton Albion on Tuesday night in a game which saw Humphrys return from a thigh problem as a second half substitute.

But the striker was frustrated not to have won at the Pirelli Stadium.

“We were quite disappointed because we feel as though we could’ve capitalised on them going down to 10 men,” said Humphrys.

“We need to be more ruthless.”