SOUTHEND United hero Michael Timlin does not expect this weekend’s play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers to be his last game for the Shrimpers.

Timlin, who bravely starred for Blues in their two legged semi-final against Stevenage, will be out of contract at the club this summer.

But, despite manager Phil Brown insisting two other teams had already made contact with Timlin, the midfielder believes he will be remaining at Roots Hall.

“I see myself staying at Southend for a long time,” said the 30-year-old.

“I’ve briefly spoken to the club about a contract but all I want to focus on is winning promotion and the game we have coming up against Wycombe.

“Now isn’t the time to be talking about anything else because this is such a big game and we need to make sure we win because if we do I really think it could get this club going again.”

Blues set up the final with Wycombe by seeing off Stevenage 4-2 on aggregate in a tie which saw Timlin take centre stage.

The midfielder was forced to have 15 stitches on his forehead following a horrific clash of heads with Bira Dembele.

But, just four days later, Timlin lined up in the second leg at Roots Hall, wearing a protective skull-cap, and scored a stunning late goal in a 3-1 win.

“I couldn’t believe the coverage the clash of heads got but it probably gave our game more of a profile because of it,” said the midfielder.

“It was quite a bad clash of heads and some of the lads were telling me they could see my scull when I was coming off the pitch.

“Thankfully there wasn’t any lasting damage because I was starting to think I would miss out on playing at Wembley again.

“I’ve been there twice before, once with Southend and once with Swindon but I’ve never got to actually play.

“This weekend I’ll hopefully get my chance but it will only ever be worth remembering if we actually win the match.”