MICHAEL Timlin could be set to play through the pain barrier for Southend United once again this weekend.

Timlin memorably lined up in the Shrimpers’ successful play-off matches wearing protective head-wear and played just four days after needed 15 stitches in a horrific head wound sustained against Stevenage.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has revealed the 30-year-old could now be about to show more bravery by lining up for Blues against Barnsley at Roots Hall tomorrow, despite suffering a bad rib injury during last weekend’s 1-0 win against Port Vale.

“Michael Timlin’s rib is very badly bruised but of course he wants to play because it’s Michael Timlin,” said Brown.

“He’s not been out of the training ground this week but he wants to have an injection or have it bandaged up in order to get out there.

“He’d probably even wear a corset because he really would do whatever it takes to play and I won’t stand in his way if that’s want he wants to do.

“People have different pain thresholds but not too many have one like Michael Timlin.

“We saw that in the play-offs and we’re seeing again now.”

Blues head into the game sitting seventh in the League One table and having won six of their last seven outings.

But Brown believes his side will need to be at their best if he is to see off another member of the Johnson family.

The 56-year-old led Hull City to the Premier League by beating a Bristol City side, managed by Gary Johnson, in the 2008 Championship play-off final at Wembley.

And he now hopes to be able to secure more success against the Johnsons, by securing victory Gary’s son Lee this weekend.

“The Johnsons never go away do they,” laughed Brown.

“I had some great battles with Gary. He’s a good solid character and I think his son will go a long way in the game of football.

“He’s got a big job at Barnsley and, on their day, they’re capable of beating anyone so this will be another tough test.”

Barnsley head into the game in 13th place and Brown hopes the match can attract another decent attendance.

“We had more than 6,500 there last weekend for Port Vale which I stood and applauded,” said Brown.

“Hopefully we can get past the 7,000 mark soon because the supporters were fantastic last weekend and we will need them again tomorrow.”