SOUTHEND United winger Sam Barratt has spoken of his joy after making a ‘crazy’ comeback from a 16 month spell on the sidelines.

Barratt had been out since August 2018 after suffering a cruciate ligament.

But the 24-year-old replaced Jason Demetriou in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon after receiving a late call up to the squad.

“I could never have imagined my comeback happening in such a crazy way,” said Barratt.

“I wasn’t in the squad and I’d been in for training to carry on my own work.

“But once I got in I put my phone on charge and got a call from the manager asking if I could get to Wimbledon.

"I said yes straight away, I threw a few things in my car and got to the ground about 2.30 in the end.”

Barratt entered the action in the 89th minute but caught the eye with a couple of fine runs.

And he was thrilled to finally be back in action.

“I was just absolutely over the moon to on the pitch with the lads,” said Barratt.

“Adrenaline took over really and I felt more comfortable returning to playing than I had returning to training.

“I was really just buzzing to be there and it was brilliant when Charlie (Kelman) put the penalty away.”

Barratt’s appearance was his first since the opening day of last season.

And it has been a long road to recovery for the former Maidenhead winger.

“It’s been tough and I don’t think people realise how hard it is mentally,” said Barratt.

“When you’re going in every day, working your socks off in the gym when you just want to be outside training it’s hard.

“Thankfully with the help of Ben (Clarkson), Stef (Russo), all the physio staff, my family and all the lads I got through the tougher times and I’m just so happy to be back now.”

However, Barratt is unsure what will happen next.

“I don’t know yet what the plan is and it’s up to the manager really,” said Barratt.

“If I stay with the first then great and I’ll be over the moon but if I’m with the under 23s that’s fine as well.

“I’ll do whatever is asked of me and keep on working hard.”

But Barratt’s next appearance is unlikely to be as eventful as his build up to facing the Dons.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to even a shirt but Wimbledon have a yellow away kit too so they had the same letters we use,” said Barratt.

“The kitman had a spare shirt which is normally saved for a blood replacement shirt and he took it to their club shop to get printed up.

“It was all quite crazy really.”

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