ALAN McCormack is certain things will soon start to improve for Southend United.

The experienced midfielder will be back in action for Blues at Roots Hall for the first time since 2010 when Mark Molesley’s side take on Morecambe.

But, despite starting the season with four successive defeats, McCormack is confident the Shrimpers will soon be back on track.

“I know Carlisle was another defeat and another negative from the outside looking in but inside the camp everyone knows it’s going in the right direction and it’s only a matter of time until that win comes or even a draw,” said McCormack.

“I think that would ignite people’s belief and we will start to show what we can do.

"In training the attitude and the standards and everything about the place is superb.

"Nobody is shying away from what’s happening outside the football but the only thing we can control at the moment is what happens on the pitch.

"If we keep believing then we will pick up more points than we drop.”

McCormack has featured for both Charlton Athletic and Luton Town at Roots Hall since leaving the Shrimpers.

And he always relishes lining up at Blues' home ground.

"I’m looking forward to playing at Roots Hall again but the only negative is there are no fans," said McCormack.

"It’s a typical old stadium with the fans close to the pitch with an atmosphere and a smell you don’t really get at the great big stadiums that get built now.

"The noise might be louder but the the whole aura of the stadium at Roots Hall when the fans are in is superb.

"It’s one of the better ones and it’s a shame no-one is there but I know people are watching at home so we are still getting support.

"We have to focus on the team we’re facing and getting the three points.

McCormack's last appearance for the Shrimpers at Roots Hall came back in May 2010 when the midfielder netted in a 2-1 win against Stockport County.

But the Irishman feels he is unlikely to hit the back of the net again this weekend.

"I scored there in my last game so two in two would be nice but my job now is not to score goals really it’s to stop them scoring and to set up the more attacking players we’ve got," said McCormack.

"We've got to give them opportunities to create goals and chances but if the chance comes for me to score I’ll certainly try and take it."

McCormack played an hour on his return against Carlisle United.

And he feels strong despite not having played any matches in pre-season.

"My last game before joining was the play-off final but thankfully because of the relationship I have with Northampton I had been training with them," said McCormack.

"I went in about four weeks ago and was in every day I could do.

"I got a big base of fitness work and I knew 60 minutes was capable on Saturday but we had to be careful.

"The body can start to fatigue and that’s when you run the risk of injuries.

"Sixty minutes was the max even if the body was telling me I’m fine.

"In fairness I felt really good and strong but I need to get my minutes in carefully and look after my body.

"For me it’s all about churning the matches out week in week out, looking after my body and training right but at the right times."