SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin insists he will step up to take a penalty if required against Wycombe Wanderers.

Timlin came out on top in an Echosport poll to find out who the fans want to take a spot-kick if the Shrimpers are awarded one in the play-off final at Wembley.

And the 30-year-old would happily step forward if required.

“I enjoy taking penalties so if I’m asked to take one then I will,” said Timlin.

“I’ve missed a couple and scored a couple but it’s all about how much courage and belief you have and a lot of us have that here, so I’m sure plenty of people would be willing to take it.”

Barry Corr has failed to find the back of the net with his last two spot-kicks and now seems unlikely to take another one in normal time.

Ben Coker, Ryan Leonard and Joe Pigott are also among those in contention to take a penalty.

But Timlin is only focusing on making sure the Shrimpers approach the game in the right way.

“We have to approach the game right and make sure we’re in the correct mind-frame because there’s so much riding on it for us, the club and the fans,” said the midfielder.

“I think it’s going to be close because both teams know each other well and Gareth Ainsworth has done a fantastic job for them.

“But it’s all about who turns up on the day and who deals with their nerves best.”

Such an occasion can also leave players suffering sleepless nights, but not Timlin – as long along as he lies on his right-hand side to avoid the nasty cut he sustained on the other side of his forehead in the first leg at Stevenage.

“I’m having to sleep on my right side but I’m fine,” laughed Timlin.

“We’re all dreaming of the game and while we’ve gone one better than last year we still haven’t achieved our goal.”