RYAN Leonard is aiming to bounce back from the worst spell of his career to secure promotion with Southend United this season.

The 19-year-old winger ended five months of injury frustration by coming off the bench midway through the second half at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

And, having now regained full fitness, Leonard is eager to be handed another opportunity to impress in tomorrow night’s return leg at Roots Hall.

“It was great to be out there again because getting the injury when I did was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me in football,” said Leonard.

“Before it happened I had been playing regularly and felt I was doing OK as well, so to then get injured and be out for so long was incredibly frustrating.

“But although I would’ve preferred us to finish in the top three, being in the play-offs has given me a chance to play which I’m pleased about and hopefully we can still get promotion.”

Leonard played the final 30 minutes at Gresty Road after replacing Kane Ferdinand.

And he admitted it was hard to initially get to grips with the game.

“I had two weeks of training and no games before going back out there, so the first five or 10 minutes were quite hard,” said Leonard.

“That’s often the case when you come on in matches though and, after that, I felt fine.

“Hopefully I can play a part in the second leg now too and we can get the result we need to get through.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO