SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin insists there will be no room for sentiment when he lines up at Millwall this weekend.

Timlin, who lives two minutes from the New Den, grew up watching the Lions.

But he is determined to help the Shrimpers get back to winning ways against his hometown club this weekend.

“We need to go to Millwall and apply ourselves properly, like we should’ve done against Shrewsbury, to get the three points,” said Timlin.

“Daniel Bentley was the only player to play well but we don’t want to keep on talking about what’s already happened.

“We need to move forward and we all know what we need to do.

“We need to go back to basics, we need to work hard, cut out sloppy mistakes and be on top of our game.

“It’s also going to be a special afternoon for me but any sentiment I have towards Millwall will be going out the window on Saturday.”

Timlin grew up being able to see the floodlights from the original Den through the windows of his house.

Being brought up in south London, Timlin’s family and friends all support the Lions.

And he is not too sure who they will be supporting on Saturday.

“I’m trying to get them all in the away end but I’m not sure it’s going to happen,” said Timlin, 30.

“Normally when I play there I have to get a couple of boxes but this time I’m just going to be getting as many tickets as I can.

“I’ll also have loads of mates who are there just watching Millwall anyway but it’s not about that for me.

“It’s about putting in a better performance because we owe the supporters one.

“We apologise for letting down and this is a great game for us to try to bounce back.”

Timlin remains unsure whether or not Millwall attempted to sign him during the summer.

But he is certain close friend and former Blues team-mate Neil Harris, will eventually be able to get the Lions roaring again despite enduring an indifferent start to the season.

“I was delighted for Neil when he got the job but they’re going through a transition and it could take a season to get things right there,” said Timlin.

“Neil’s a Millwall man and he’s doing all the right things.

“He’s brought in former Millwall players David Livermore and Andy Frampton to his coaching staff and they will all be doing everything they can for the club.

“I’ve watched them play three or four times already this season so I know what to expect this weekend. They’re in a similar situation to us and we’re both scrapping for points so I can’t wait to get out there.”