HERMANN Hreidarsson once memorably played through the pain to secure cup final success alongside Sol Campbell.

And Southend United’s assistant manager is now hoping to overcome more tricky times next to his former Portsmouth team-mate.

Hreidarsson cracked a cheekbone during the Hampshire side’s FA Cup final win against Cardiff City at Wembley back in 2008.

But the 45-year-old is now ready for what he feels are games of huge significance with the Shrimpers bidding for League One survival.

“Every single game we have left is a cup final for us,” said Hreidarsson.

“We have to scrap, fight and sacrifice everything on the pitch.

“It’s been tough losing games but the way we’ve reacted in training gives us hope and belief we will get there eventually.”

Blues have lost in all four of their League games since Hreidarsson arrived at Roots Hall to work alongside manager Campbell and now sit 11 points from safety with an inferior goal difference to the teams around them.

However, Hreidarsson remains confident the Shrimpers can stay up.

“Our target now is fourth from bottom and everyone here believes we will do it,” said Hreidarsson.

“We need a win because that changes the atmosphere and the mindset.

“We need that elusive first win in the League but we will have a right go at it.

“We’re obviously not in an ideal position but we have to look at every single detail to try and get a tiny edge wherever we can.”

The Shrimpers are back in action at Burton Albion tomorrow.

And Hreidarsson will again go into the game boosted by Blues’ fans.

“We watched the first game and Southend were losing 7-1 but the fans were still there behind the team and I think they have been brilliant,” said Hreidarsson.

“They’re turning up when it’s not all roses.

“They keep believing and so do we. It also gives you extra energy to want to do well for the club and those fans.”

With that in mind, Blues’ new managerial team have opted to up the workload in training. And Hreidarsson is pleased with how the squad have taken that on board.

“There’s probably been a change to the training regime and they really put the work in,” said Hreidarsson.

“They’ve jumped on board and that’s a positive sign.

“You can see in training and by the numbers in the games that the work-load is improving.

“It gives us a base to work from and while it remains a big challenge it’s one we believe we can get out of.”

But, despite the difficulties, Hreidarsson is enjoying his role at Roots Hall.

“It’s great to be back in England and this is a big club for me,” said Hreidarsson.

“It’s a very nice club too.”