Southern has scored three times for Blackpool this season (Getty)

Midfielder Keith Southern believes Blackpool's current points tally should ensure Championship football at Bloomfield Road again next season.

The 26-year-old, who has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury, fully expects to avoid an immediate return to League One.

"It's nice to get to 50 points. I think it will be enough to keep us up," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Maybe, possibly another point or two, but I think 50 will be enough."

Blackpool have a free weekend due to West Bromwich's FA Cup commitments, and Coventry, Norwich and Leicester could all overtake them in the table.

We can just concentrate on ourselves. We've got some games coming up that we think we can win Blackpool midfielder Keith Southern

Southern added: "It's a really tight league. I think anyone is capable of beating anyone. Sheffield Wednesday have a game in hand, but I think Southampton and Barnsley are in free-fall, they have got to pick something up.

"We can just concentrate on ourselves. We've got some games coming up that we think we can win."

The former Everton trainee is expected to be fit for Blackpool's final five matches of the season in which three are at home and two away.

Southern said: "I've played 25 games. With a bit of luck I'd have played more but hopefully my injury problems are behind me now and I can play the last couple of games towards the end of the season, then have a good rest and come back strong next year."