BIRTHDAY-BOY Barry Corr is out to stop Southend United promotion push hitting the buffers this weekend.

Corr, who has scored seven goals in his last eight games, is desperate to continue the best form of his career when Blues do battle with Mansfield Town and Hartlepool United in quick succession this bank holiday weekend.

And the Irishman will be fit to remain in attack, after stepping away from a four car pile-up on the A127 unscathed.

“It was a bit of a nightmare and my car is still away getting fixed but I didn’t suffer any injuries in the accident,” said Corr, who turns 30 today.

“I was driving up to Brentwood to meet the team coach because we have a stop off point there and it’s a bit nearer for me to get back to Swindon after the game to go and see my family.

“I was coming up the A130 turn off when I had to stop but the car behind me didn’t unfortunately which was far from ideal.”

But Corr also joked the injury problems which had plagued his career up until the past two seasons made it difficult for him to assess whether or not he had actually been hurt in the accident.

“There were a couple of ambulances called and the paramedics asked me anything was hurting, but I always have something hurting anyway,” laughed Corr.

“I didn’t know what was from football and what could have been from the accident but thankfully I’m free.

“I won’t be making any claims and I’ll be fine for the two big matches we have coming up this weekend which we need to get good results in.”

Fifth placed Blues host Mansfield Town in the first of those at Roots Hall tomorrow bidding to get back to winning ways after taking just one point from their last two games.

And Corr also wants to close the gap on third placed Wycombe Wanderers who are currently 11 points clear of Phil Brown’s side, albeit having played an extra game.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult for us to finish in the top three but it’s not impossible and we have to keep trying,” said the striker.

“With two games coming up in four days things could change a little bit and we need to do all we can to pick up points.

“If we fall short and end up in the play-offs again then we’re fully focused on making sure we go up that way.”

Corr also has his sights set on scoring more goals and believes he has benefitted from the Shrimpers switching to a 4-4-2 formation.

“I always said I would score more goals with two up front and I’m glad I’ve been able to prove that,” said Corr.

“I don’t really like playing up front on my own and it’s very hard at this level for someone to do it.

“You do see one up front in the Premier League and Champions League but it’s normally somebody like Costa, Ronaldo or Messi and it’s slightly different in League Two.”