LEE Hills ended almost two years of injury heartache when making his Southend United debut at Burton Albion on Saturday.

Hills, who is on loan at Blues from Crystal Palace, impressed at left-back against the Brewers.

But that came after Hills had been left fearing for his career after suffering a succession of serious knee injuries.

“At one point I thought football was over for me,” said Hills, 21.

“I couldn't even go up the stairs let alone kick a football so it was a horrible time for me.

“That's why I was so delighted to play again and getting the three points made it a dream debut for me.”

Hills' previous start before the weekend had come for Crystal Palace at Derby County in April 2010.

That signalled the start of a terrible time for the full-back who suffered cruciate ligament and tendon injuries before eventually forcing his way back in to action.

“I needed to get some games again and that's why I jumped at the chance to come to Southend,” said Hills.

“I would've gone anywhere to play but I'm delighted to have come to such a great club.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO