Walker faces Wembley blow

12:21pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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SHRIMPERS striker James Walker faces disappointment whatever the outcome of Friday's second leg play-off showdown at Doncaster Rovers.

The 20-year-old forward is desperate to avoid defeat in a crucial do or die battle at the Keepmoat Stadium.

But, even if his side are successful, Walker will not be able to figure in the final at Wembley as his loan from Charlton Athletic will have expired.

"Of course I'll be angry if we get to Wembley and I can't play because everyone dreams of playing there," said Walker who is expected to sign for Southend permanently during the summer.

"I would rather that happened than us losing on Friday though as it means we would still be in with a chance of getting promotion and playing some great games in the Championship next season."

"On top of that I'm sure I would be there on the day if we got there and even that would be great because I haven't even been to Wembley before."

Walker has scored four goals in 16 games since joining the Shrimpers in February and is hoping to again hit the back of the net as Blues look to build on last Friday's 0-0 draw in the first leg of their semi-final.

There were not many chances in the first meeting between the two teams at Roots Hall but Walker believes Southend did well to secure the stalemate.

"Doncaster are a good team and personally I thought we did well against them," said Walker.

"The way they played they had five men across the midfield who were swapping around and that made it hard for us. We coped well though and now it's all down to a one off game.

"It's a final on its own to be honest and there's no reason why we can't win there."

And Walker insisted his team would not be suffering from nerves, despite there being so much at stake.

"I don't really get nervous and I don't think any of the lads do," he said.

"We're professionals so we have to be able to deal with these situations and I'm sure we can do it."

l DONCASTER boss Sean O'Driscoll is refusing to accept his team are favourites to progress to the final of the play-offs.

"Southend were the league's form team going into the play-offs and the home leg will be just as hard for us," he said.

"Credit to them, they're a good side and often it's harder for the home team."