SOUTHEND United’s in-form striker Barry Corr could miss out on tonight’s clash with Newport County at Roots Hall.

Corr, who has bagged nine goals in his last 11 games, has returned home to Ireland due to a family problem.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is not sure whether or not the 30-year-old will be back in time of the game.

“Barry is a huge doubt for the game tonight,” said the 55-year-old.

“Barry’s gone back home for a family problem and whether or not he’s back in time for the game is a big question.

“To be without him would be a big blow because he’s our leading goalscorer, he’s gone past his tally from the last couple of seasons and we’re in negotiations with him about a new contract now too.

“Family obviously comes first but hopefully the problems back home can be resolved and he can get back here in time.

“But I seriously doubt that at the moment. “ Joe Pigott is on standby to replace Corr in attack alongside Jake Cassidy after being on the bench for Blues’ last two games.

The Charlton Athletic front-man spent three months on loan at Newport earlier on in the season, scoring three goals in 11 outings.

And Brown believes Pigott would jump at the chance to start against the Welshmen.

“Joe would love to play, he doesn’t have fond memories of Newport and I don’t think he enjoyed his time there,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“He played two or three games and then found himself on the bench but he still got a few goals that way and hopefully he can start doing that for us again too.”

Blues head into tonight’s game sitting fifth in the League Two table, five points below the automatic promotion places with five games to go.

Brown also has midfielder Ryan Leonard available again for the clash with eighth placed Newport after he recovered from an ankle injury.

But Leonard seems unlikely to dislodge Gary Deegan from the starting line-up.

“Gary did enough to hold his shirt and Ryan has to try and get it back now,” said Brown.

“If that’s the case for the rest of the season then we will have fantastic competition for places in there.”