SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown secured one important victory against Burton Albion at the start of the season.

And he is now aiming for another in the semi-final of the League Two play-offs.

Brown convinced Shrimpers striker Barry Corr to remain at Roots Hall, despite strong interest from the Brewers.

Now he is hoping that will prove pivotal in the next fortnight.

“At one point I thought Barry had gone and that he wouldn’t be playing for us this season which was a big disappointment,” said Brown.

“In the games we had at the end of last season I saw how much of a talent he was and I wanted him to stay because I could see he was an all round footballer.

“Keeping him fit was always going to be key but I knew we had the staff to make sure we would get at least 40 games from him.

“And I’m certainly pleased he will be coming out of our dressing room this weekend and not Burton’s.”

Corr leads the Shrimpers’ scoring charts with 13 goals this season and has hit the back of the net five times in his last six games to move ahead of Kevan Hurst.

But Brown knows Hurst is keen to get back on top during the remainder of the season.

“It’s great to have Barry back in form and there’s a good battle going on between him and Kevan Hurst to be top goalscorer.

“Hursty is also in good form and the right frame of mind at this important stage of the season so he feels there are more goals still in him which is great.

“Barry is doing well and, it’s funny, but the red card and little break he got from that, has probably ended up doing him and us a favour.”