MANAGER Paul Buckle says the wear and tear of a week on the road won't stop any of his Torquay United players pushing for a starting spot at Southend United tomorrow (3pm).

The Gulls head to Roots Hall for their third away game in seven days with the aim of preserving the Football League's only remaining 100 per cent record.

United have already clocked up the miles ahead of the trip to Essex, having followed up last Saturday's 2-1 victory at Port Vale with a Johnstone's Paint Trophy win on penalties against Bournemouth in midweek.

"We've got a few knocks but everybody is desperate to play," said Buckle.

"I think knocks become a little bit less sore when you're doing well, so everybody is fighting fit and I'm hoping to have a full squad to pick from at Southend.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the effort and determination that has gone in, especially with all the travelling we have done this week.

"Credit to the supporters as well — we had a really good turnout at Bournemouth but we've got another tough trip tomorrow.

"I've been encouraging the players to keep doing the right things, and making sure they understand how they've got to this fantastic position.

"It's our job now to try and maintain it. I believe it's about hard work and keeping doing the right things on the training pitch.

"In training the players are really at it, really professional, and they are taking that into games."

Winger Wayne Carlisle is ready to be called upon if needed, having been rested for Tuesday night's win over the Cherries, while replacement Eunan O'Kane made the most of his start at Dean Court to impress the manager.

United's first team coach Shaun North and chief scout John Milton, both with the Gulls squad at their overnight stop near Port Vale, travelled across the Pennines to watch Southend's 2-0 win at Bradford City last Friday night.

Despite a major overhaul of the squad following Paul Sturrock's appointment in July — quite a feat in itself at a club in real financial difficulty — Southend have made a reasonable start.

They beat Bristol City in the Carling Cup before going out at Wolves.

And their win at Bradford was followed by a similar JPT victory in midweek to United's at Bournemouth.

Southend drew 0-0 with Gillingham, and then won a shoot-out 4-3.

Defender Sean Clohessy, sent off for two bookings at Bradford, was suspended against Gillingham, but he should return tomorrow.

Their main threat should come from strikers Barry Corr and Blair Sturrock.

They were both summer signings, Irish targetman Corr after a season with Exeter City and former United loanee Sturrock Jr from Mansfield Town.

Southend were also one of the few League Two clubs to do some business before the August transfer window closed on Tuesday.

They turned Plymouth defender Chris Barker's loan into a permanent move.

Meanwhile, United's youth team host Yeovil Town in the Football League Alliance Under-18 Cup tomorrow at Bovey Tracey (11am).