SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin is still some way short of returning from a dislocated elbow.

Timlin sustained the injury during the pre-season friendly at Tottenham Hotspur in July.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown does not expect him to be back in action for another couple of months.

“Tims is still a long way off being fit and won’t be back until at least October,” confirmed Brown.

“I won’t be putting an exact date on it because if you set Tims a target he will try and beat it.

“However, he will be out for a while yet and that’s why I would like to try and strengthen in that area.”

In the meantime, Timlin will be continuing to work his way back to full fitness.

And he stepped things up this week by being able to run again.

“Tims started off with bike work because when he’s running his elbow will obviously be used but he’s back out there doing that now,” said Brown.

“It’s good news but he’s still having to wear a brace on his arm.

“He won’t lose any definition because of that as we have ways of him still being able to work on his upper body strength but he’s still some way off being fit.”

Ex Leyton Orient and Accrington Stanley loanee Michael Richardson had been on trial with Blues.

But the midfielder has now departed and will not be offered a contract at the club.