BARRY Corr is playing a leading part in Southend United’s push for promotion, despite not having kicked a ball for the club all season.

The Irishman, who was Blues’ top scorer with 21 goals last term, has been sidelined since May after suffering a serious knee injury.

But while he continues his rehabilition, Corr has also started to scout Southend’s upcoming opponents.

“It’s something I asked the gaffer and Graham Coughlan if I could do because we don’t have the biggest backroom team, and I’m really enjoying doing it,” said Corr, 26.

“I will watch teams we’re about to play and I’ve done it a few times now.

“To start with I used an old scouting report the club had lying around to help me, and I produce a small report on each opposition player.

“I will mention his strengths and weaknesses, what he likes to do when on the ball and then also mention set pieces and systems.

“Hopefully it’s of some use to the manager and can help the team in the remaining matches of the season.”

Corr will be watching AFC Wimbledon, who visit Roots Hall on Monday, against Rotherham United this Friday.

However, he remains determined to soon force his way back on the pitch and end his injury nightmare.

“This season has been really, really bad and difficult for me,” said Corr.

“I wanted to build on the good season I had last year and help inthe promotion chasing season we’re having but it hasn’t happened.

“I’ve been close to playing a couple of times but have then broken down again, and it’s been hard to deal with it.

“After the Cheltenham game on Friday for instance, I must have been up until about 3am.

“I couldn’t sleep because I was just thinking about how much I would’ve loved to have played in the game.”

But Corr insisted he would continue to work hard with Blues’ physiotherapist Ben Clarkson and that the injury would not signal the end of his career.

“I will come back from this and I’ll be stronger for having gone through this too,” he added.

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO