MICHAEL Timlin believes Blues’ fantastic record against Oxford United could actually work against them in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy encounter at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers have lost just one of their last 15 games against the U’s and have not been beaten in the last seven meetings between the two teams.

But Timlin feels that could fire Oxford up.

“From our point of view it’s a confidence booster but it might also give Oxford the extra determination they need,” said Timlin, 31.

“We know that in the past Oxford have always been there or thereabouts before fading away at the end but Michael Appleton has something going there now.

“On their day they can beat anyone so we have to stand up to the test and apply ourselves properly because I’m sure they will be coming here feeling like they owe us one.”

However, Blues are also eager to impress.

And Timlin is keen for the team to carry out the instructions of manager Phil Brown.

“We’ve had a 10 day break and it gave us time for the manager to go through a few things with us on the pitch,” said the former Swindon Town man.

“Hopefully we’ll see that in the game tonight now and we want to keep our rich vein of form going.

“We’re going in to it fresh and maybe Oxford could be tired after playing against Macclesfield in the FA Cup on Friday night but we can’t be thinking about that because we have to make sure we approach the game in the right way if we’re to get through.”

Timlin is also keen to help make that happen and he again looks set to line up at left-back in place of the injured Ben Coker - something which will see him adopt a different approach to the game.

“At left-back it’s more of a mental thing for me than playing central midfield where I normally am,” said Timlin.

“You have to concentrate more and there are more factors you’re involved in.

“I’ll play there as long as I have to, I’m happy doing it but I have to make sure I do it well for the team.

“I’m looking at the opposition a different way now but Ben Coker is a massive miss for us so hopefully he’ll be back quicker than expected.”