BARRY Corr marked his opening match in a Town shirt with a goal tonight - then thanked boss Paul Sturrock for the chance to restart' his football career.

The 6ft 3ins Sheffield Wednesday striker sealed a loan deal at the County Ground until the end of the season before firing a goal in the reserves' 3-0 win over former club Bristol City.

It immediately propelled him into the frame for Sunday's televised League Two match at Lincoln.

And, after seeing his early career blighted by injury, the Co Wicklow man is intent on repaying the faith shown in him by Sturrock, who knows him from his time at the Hillsborough helm.

Corr said: "It's taken quite a while but it's now happened and I just want to get playing now.

"I wasn't playing at Sheffield Wednesday and I'm in good hands with Paul Sturrock so I want to see what I can do.

"As soon as I knew he was interested, I was really excited about coming here.'' He added: "I think I haven't really got my career started.

"The manager has shown faith in me and he's obviously a top-class manager and I'm really looking forward to working with him.'' Corr, moved to Wednesday from Leeds United in April 2005, having been part of the Elland Road academy set-up after arriving during David O'Leary's reign.

But has made just one substitute appearance for the Owls this campaign, finding himself behind the likes of Deon Burton, Marcus Tudgay and Steven MacLean.

He scored once at Leyton Orient for Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy during a loan spell in October.

Corr explained: "I had a little loan spell at Bristol City. I was coming back from an injury and I enjoyed it there and got a little bit of fitness.

"I went back to Wednesday, but when the new manager Brian Laws came in I wasn't getting in the team so I felt like I had to move on to progress my career.'' "I'm fit now. I've been training away but not really playing games, so it was good to get out there tonight.'' Laws wished his striker all the best.

He said: "He has not had much of a look-in at Sheffield Wednesday but I am sure the loan move to Swindon will be a great experience for him."