Barnard’s fight to be fit for the second leg

11:04am Monday 12th May 2008

Comments (7)   Have your say »

SHRIMPERS striker Lee Barnard is fighting to be fit for Friday's vital play-off clash at Doncaster Rovers.

The Billericay-based forward, who has scored nine goals for Blues since signing in January, picked up an ankle problem during the first leg against the Yorkshire side on Friday night, which ended 0-0.

But he is hopeful of being able to figure at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"My ankle is still quite swollen but touch wood it will soon go down and I will be able to return to training before the end of the week and play at Doncaster," said the 23-year-old frontman.

"I injured it after about 25 minutes when I went in for a 50/50 tackle.

"Their player, who I think was Brian Stock, caught me quite badly and I was struggling for the rest of the game.

"I was really feeling it but I obviously didn't want to come off because it was such a big game and I was determined to help us do well."

Barnard has rested and iced his ankle since suffering the blow and is desperate to be involved as Steve Tilson's side attempt to see off their hosts.

"It's a huge game so of course I want to be involved," he said.

"It's hard to say if I will be out this stage but I'll be keeping everything crossed because I would be gutted to miss out."

But should the former Tottenham Hotspur goal-getter keep his place in the side he will be going into the game in a positive frame of mind.

"I've spoken to people who are really disappointed with us drawing 0-0 and I don't really understand their reaction," he said.

"Of course we would rather be going into the second leg with a lead behind us but it wasn't to be.

"The tie is still very much alive though and we're really looking forward to going there.

"We're confident too because of the way we've been playing lately and if we play like we have been doing over the last few months of the season then I think we have a great chance of beating Doncaster and getting through to the final at Wembley, which would just be amazing."