SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin insists he is proud and privileged to reach 250 appearances for the Shrimpers.

The 32-year-old will reach the milestone against Fleetwood Town at Roots Hall tomorrow.

And Timlin is eager to mark the occasion with a vital victory.

“I’m extremely delighted to be reaching 250 games for the club, I’m very proud and it’s been a privilege to be here for that amount of time,” said the midfielder.

“These days people seem to move on after a year or two but Southend has always felt like the right place for me to be.

“I do think about how many more games I might have played if it wasn’t for the big injuries I suffered but it’s a big deal for me to be getting to 250 games here and I hope to celebrate it with three points because it’s a massive match.”

Timlin had a short loan with Blues in 2010 before returning the following year for another loan stint which was eventually made permanent.

And the midfielder has many happy memories from being with Blues.

“Winning the play-offs at Wembley obviously sticks out but there are so many other highlights,” said Timlin.

“I really enjoyed the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final with Leyton Orient, even though I broke my leg!

“I remember being in the stands for the second leg on my crutches and there just being such a buzz around the place.

“It really felt like we had achieved something special even though I knew I wasn’t going to play at Wembley for the final.

“But after missing out that day I had to make sure I didn’t miss out again and that’s why I was desperate to play against Stevenage in the play-off semi-final in 2015.

“I had been cut in the first leg but there was no way I would miss the second leg and that night is another big high.

“However, I still want more of them at Southend.”

And Timlin wants that to start with a win against Fleetwood.

“It’s a big game and we need to win,” said Timlin.

“The fans are frustrated and rightly so but every player will be giving it everything we’ve got.

“I know everyone says that but it’s the truth and if any player here didn’t give their all then they wouldn’t last long in this group.

“We might not always play well and that includes me because this season I’ve had games where I haven’t reached the standard I’ve set myself here.

“But we’re all trying and we have to stick together in times like this because we want Roots Hall jumping again.”

And Timlin is also particularly keen to triumph having moved to live in the area back in 2015.

“After the play-off win I got married and said to my wife about moving here and making a real go of things,” said the midfielder.

“Her family have now moved here too and I enjoy it.

“I often see the fans when I’m out and about but it’s good.

“I enjoy talking to them and I know they’re frustrated at the moment but we all have to stick together in times like this.”