And that won't be easy for the Shrimpers for the former Scottish international has kept 21 clean sheets - a tally which resulted in him being 'highly commended' in this week's Puma Golden Glove Awards League One section.

One of those clean sheets came in the first leg at Roots Hall last Friday.

Sullivan may be 38 but his reflexes are still razor sharp as he proved just before half-time, producing a vital close range save from ex Sheffield United full-back Simon Francis.

The fact that Sullivan is still on the top of his game in the twilight of his career is testament not only to his ability, but also to his dedication and professionalism.

He has certainly won the respect of the club's No 2 keeper Ben Smith.

"Neil has had a brilliant season and that is why I haven't had my chance in the team," he said.

"Obviously I would have loved to have played a few games but I've got no complaints. I've watched every game apart from when I was at Lincoln on loan, and he's hardly put a foot wrong."

The highly-rated Smith is hoping that there may be a changing of the guard at some stage of the 2008-2009 campaign, but Sullivan, who played in every league game this season, is showing few signs of wanting to abdicate his throne.

The 6ft 3in keeper joined the club during the summer after being released by Leeds United, following two successful loan spells at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"I really enjoyed my time here on loan last season so when I got the chance to come here on a permanent basis during the summer it didn't take me long to decide," he recalled.

Sullivan returned to Elland Road, where he received a warm reception from the United fans prior to the game, in January and helped Rovers record a famous victory.

As if to rub salt into United manger Dennis Wise's wounds, Sullivan kept a clean sheet.

Sullivan may have felt that he had proved a point to the Leeds boss, who had made it clear 12 months earlier that he didn't think him good enough to hold down a first team spot at Elland Road.

But if he did he wasn't going to start shouting it from the rooftops and such comments as he did make to the media were measured and in keeping with a man who has proved a model professional over the years.

Even after 18 years in the game, and nearly 500 games under his belt, Sullivan is still ambitious and would love to help Rovers win promotion via the play-offs - if only to make amends for the disappointment of missing out on a return to the top flight several years ago when Leeds were beaten by Watford in the Championship play-off final at the Millennium Stadium.

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