Micky Mellon is hoping that his Tranmere side can take transfer their FA Cup heroics into their league form as they prepare for a relegation six-pointer on Saturday.

Rovers will make the 250-mile trip to Roots Hall this weekend to face fellow-relegation strugglers Southend United, fully aware that they cannot afford to slip up against a team that has only won one league game all season but drawn three of their last four matches.

Despite their own troubles, spirits are high at Prenton Park after the Whites peformed something of a miracle at Vicarage Road last weekend to overturn a 3-0 half time deficit agaisnt Premier League Watford in the FA Cup Third round, but boss Mellon wants to see that level on a more permanent basis.

He said: “We take any positives out of it that we can. It was certainly a very good second half performance from the lads but like we’ve said many times we’ve got to find a way of doing that more consistently.

“We’ve got to get better at giving ourselves a chance instead of chasing games all of the time, but in terms of character and fight you couldn’t fault the players, they were terrific and they played some really good football and scored some really good goals.

“We know that they’re not lacking in ability to battle back, they’ve showed character to do that many times, but if I’m going to keep my focus on what we’re doing we’ve got to give ourselves more of a chance by getting more first goals and keeping clean sheets.

Tranmere's hopes of survival in League One have been aided by the expulsion of Bury and Bolton Wanderers starting the season on -12 points, due to falling into administration.

Sol Campbell's Southend are the only other team currently below Rovers in the league but have shown in recent weeks that they are not an automatic given for three points to the opposition.

Mellon said: “The league can be very strange. You wouldn’t say that there’s many stand out performers in the league as individuals. That makes it very tight as times, so it’s not surprise to me that Southend are running teams close because I don’t think there’s many match-winners. I think it comes down to who makes the least mistakes to be honest.

“It’s not surprise to me that Southend of very competitive. We’ve got to go down there and we’re very mindful of this. We’ve got our own house to keep in order. We know that we have to start producing performance and picking up points.”

Tranmere will be without defender Sid Nelson, who pulled a quad muscle in Leasing.com trophy match against Leicester City U21s on Tuesday night.

Liam Ridehalgh and Ollie Banks are both back in training however and Mellon indicated that goalkeeper Scott Davies is closing in on a return to first team action, suggesting he is "games" rather than "weeks" away from fitness.

New centre-back acquisition Peter Clarke will marshal the defence and fellow January capture Alex Woodyard looks set to make his first appearance for the club, having settled into life at Rovers very quickly.

Mellon said: “The lads know he’s a good player so he instantly gets credibility in the group. Then you find out as you go along what type of person he is and he’s a good lad. He’s moved in very smoothly with the group so we’re really pleased to have him here.”

It was also revealed that striker Morgan Ferrier is struggling with a foot injury and is currently only able to train with the first team on a Friday before playing on a Saturday.

Mellon has said that he would like to strengthen his squard further this month, but may have to shift some more players out of his squad before he can bring more in.

One individual who has already left is loan player Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who has returned to his parent club Manchester United.

Southend United v Tranmere Rovers to be played at Roots Hall, Southend on Saturday January 11, KO 3pm.