Southend United's Barry Corr closing in on first team return (From Echo)

Southend United's Barry Corr closing in on first team return

11:50am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

Barry Corr - set to resume full training later this week

SOUTHEND United striker Barry Corr is set to resume full training later this week.

The Irishman has been out of action since April 2011 with knee and groin injuries.

But he is now closing in on a return to action.

“I don't like to set targets because I've ended up being disappointed by doing that before but I will be back in to full training this week,” said Corr, 27.

“I've been running and doing ball work for a little while so the next step is to back in to full contact training.

“If that goes well then there's a chance I could be involved in our next home game against Exeter City in a couple of weeks time if not before.”

Corr missed all of last season with a long term knee problem and then picked up a groin injury during pre-season.

And that slight tear became more serious when Corr tried to come back too soon.

“It was my fault that the injury got worse because I was too eager to get back playing,” said Corr.

“Nobody wants to be on the pitch more than me and I'm desperate to be back out there again.

“Because of that I tried to come back from the groin injury too soon and ended up making it more serious which was a mistake.

“I've learnt my lesson from that though and now it's about building up my fitness which might take a little while because I didn't have much of a pre-season.”

However, Corr has worked hard to maintain his general fitness and insists it will be down to the coaching staff when and how he returns to action.

“It will be their decision but I've kept myself in shape by cycling or swimming when I haven't been able to run,” said Corr.

“It's been a frustrating time but hopefully it's coming to an end and I'll be playing again soon.”