Southend forward Lee Barnard faces a race against time to be fit for Friday night's vital play-off clash at Doncaster Rovers.

Barnard picked up an ankle problem during the first leg against the Yorkshire side on Friday night, which ended 0-0.

But the former Tottenham striker he is still 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."