THIS time last year, Barry Corr feared he would never play football again.

The striker spent the whole of last season out of action with a serious knee injury which cast doubts over his career and left him wondering if he would ever pull his boots back on.

But, with his fitness now restored, Corr has restablished himself as a key member of Southend United’s squad.

And he cannot wait for the biggest game of his career this weekend when the Shrimpers take on Crewe Alexandra at Wembley.

“There have certainly been big improvements for me in the last 12 months, but there were definitely some dark days during that period,” said Corr, 27.

“I remember being in for treatment between 9am and 5pm every day and nothing seemed to ever be getting better.

“The pain was still there and driving home every night I just wanted to cry.

“There were several times when I wondered if I was ever going to play again and at some points I didn’t think it was going to happen.

“But you have to keep going and keep working hard.

“I remember some days I actually climbed over the fence of the training ground to get in because nobody was there and I wanted to continue with my training.

“It’s doing things like that which get you back fit and I can’t wait for Sunday now because it will be the biggest game of my career so far.

“I just hope I’m involved.”

Corr has played a prominent part in helping Blues reach Wembley, scoring twice at Oxford United before also netting in the second leg of the southern section final against Leyton Orient.

No other player has scored more times in the competition for Southend this season and that means the Irishman will feel fully involved at Sunday’s final.

“I’m looking forward to it more because I feel like I’m a part of things again,” said Corr.

“Whenever I’ve had success in the past at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon it hasn’t really been like that.

“But this time I’ve got some important goals and also won goal of the round twice.

“Hopefully I can get another one on Sunday and make the day even more memorable.”