SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin could make a sensational start in tonight’s crunch play-off clash with Stevenage at Roots Hall.

Timlin was forced to have 15 stitches in a horrific head wound following a nasty clash of heads with Stevenage defender Bira Dembele in Sunday’s 1-1 draw between the two teams.

But Blues boss Phil Brown has revealed Timlin is back in contention for this evening’s clash which will decide who advances to the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

“Michael is absolutely in contention for the game tonight and he’s not shirking any responsibilities,” said the 55-year-old.

“He understands he has a duty to his team but that he also has a duty to make a decision after what he went through on Sunday from a traumatic point of view.”

Timlin, who trained yesterday wearing protective headgear, was forced to come off midway through the first half at Broadhall Way after the clash of heads which has received nationwide coverage.

However, Brown believes the 30-year-old midfielder could have come out of the incident feeling better than Dembele.

“The one advantage I have over Stevenage was the fact Bira Dembele was concussed and if you look at the PFA guidelines then I don’t think he can play,” said the former Hull City boss.

“Those rules could go out the window in situations like this but where Michael is concerned it’s his welfare which will be first and foremost on our agenda when it comes to team selection.

“If he’s looking good, feeling good and comes through training OK then there’s a possibility he might play some part in what is obviously a massive game for both teams.”

Whoever wins this evening’s encounter will face either Plymouth Argyle or Wycombe Wanderers in the final at Wembley on Saturday May 23.

But Timlin is not Blues’ only injury concern for the game.

Defender John White (hamstring) and midfielders Ryan Leonard (hip) and Will Atkinson (calf) have also been receiving treatment.

And late decisions will be made about their availability, with Atkinson the most doubtful of the three.

“John and Lenny, touch wood, came through training OK yesterday but we will continue to monitor them,” said Brown.

“Will was work-rate personified on Sunday but I thought he needed another 24 hours of rest before I considered playing him.”

>Tonight's clash will go to extra-time if the teams are locked level at the end of 90 minutes.

If the additional 30 minutes does not produce a winner then the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.