SOUTHEND United’s Barry Corr ended 17 months of injury heartache by scoring in his side’s 2-1 win over Exeter City on Saturday.

Corr netted just six minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute at Roots Hall .

But he was almost forced to miss the match after his back went in to spasm during the warm-up.

“Before the game my back really started to stiffen up and I was thinking I might be struggling to play,” said the Irishman.

“However, I was able to loosen it up on the sidelines while the game was going on and I couldn’t feel it at all when I came on.

“That was a big relief and to then score so soon after coming on was just an unbelievable feeling.

“I couldn’t quite believe it to be honest and it was a fantastic moment to see it go in.”

Corr headed home a high right-wing cross from Kevan Hurst to bring Blues back level.

And he was quick to dedicate the goal to the club’s physiotherapist Ben Clarkson, who has worked tirelessly to help the Irishman regain full fitness.

“I’ve never known a physio quite like Ben to be honest because he seems to work 24 hours a day,” said Corr.

“He put so much work and effort into getting me back fit that I’d like to say that goal was for him because he really has helped me so much.”

Corr missed all of last season with a serious knee injury before a slight groin tear forced him to miss the start of the current campaign.

And there were times when the targetman felt he may have to retire.

“I did think I might not ever get back when I started to have a few setbacks along the way,” said Corr.

“After the operation on my knee it kept on filling up with fluid and I think I must have had litres drained off it in the end.

“But eventually things started to improve and I’m a very determined person, so I was always going to give it everything I had to play again.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO