Southend United manager Paul Sturrock criticises Barry Corr for red card at Plymouth Argyle (From Echo)

Southend United manager Paul Sturrock criticises Barry Corr for red card at Plymouth Argyle

11:00am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock has criticised Barry Corr for getting sent off at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

The striker will miss tonight’s home game against Burton Albion after being handed a three match ban following his dismissal at Home Park.

And Sturrock has already made his feelings clear to the fit again forward who saw red after an off the ball clash with defender Darren Purse.

“I’ve had a chat with Barry about what happened and I think the best word to use for what he did is stupidity,” said the Blues boss.

“He will be internally disciplined for what he did and there was just no reason for him to get involved.

“I certainly didn’t think any kind of appeal would be successful and that’s why we decided against it in the end.

“But it’s disappointing for him and us because after just getting him back from injury we’re now going to be without him for three matches. "

As well as this evening’s encounter with the Brewers, Corr will also be forced to sit out Saturday’s game against Barnet and next Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie with Dagenham and Redbridge.

Blues will have to battle on without the Irishman and Sturrock feels those who are available for tonight’s game with Burton will be in for a very difficult 90 minutes.

“Burton have always been very good going forward but they have a good defence now too,” said Sturrock.

“That’s really helped them to improve and they’re a very good side.

“They have Kevin Summerfield in their coaching staff who is my former assistant manager so he’ll know about my teams and will be in for a tough test.

“But if we play like we know we can and how we did at times in the second half then we have a chance of getting all three points.”

However, Sturrock again expects to be without goalkeeper Paul Smith (concussion), defender Mark Phillips, striker Neil Harris (knee) and forward Gavin Tomlin labelling them all as very doubtful to play.

But Ryan Leonard is pushing for a recall after impressing as a second half substitute at Plymouth on Saturday.

Southend United (from): Bentley, Clohessy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker, Leonard, Spicer, Timlin, Hurst, Assombalonga, Benyon, Eastwood, Straker, Coughlan, T Smith, Woodyard, Martin & Njie