SOUTHEND United midfielder Will Atkinson is keen to pull the strings for the Shrimpers at Oldham Athletic tonight.

Atkinson has impressed in Blues’ last three matches after forcing his way back into the side.

And the 27-year-old is relishing lining up alongside house-mate Ryan Leonard in the centre of the park.

“I know Lenny well, I’ve lived with him for two years and we know each other’s game quite well so it’s been enjoyable playing in there with him,” said Atkinson.

“Just recently we’ve started to learn the guitar and we’ve been jamming out together!

“But we’re certainly much better at playing football than the guitar and it’s been going well in the last few games which we need to try and keep going now.”

The Shrimpers got back to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Blackpool at Roots Hall at the weekend.

And Atkinson is now bidding for another three points at Boundary Park. “Oldham are a big club and they’ve drawn a lot of games which shows they’re hard to beat,” said the energetic midfielder.

“It’s going to be tough and it’s going to be very cold as well but we’re going into the game on the back of a good win and hopefully we can get another one.”

Prior to his recent recall, Atkinson had started just one of the Shrimpers’ previous 13 matches.

But he now finds himself back in favour and boss Phil Brown has praised the new look central midfield pairing.

“I’m asking the midfield two to do things a little bit differently but they’re doing it well,” said Brown.

“Ryan Leonard has gone back to more of a holding role since Gary Deegan got injured but he’s being ably abetted by his partner in there, Will Atkinson.

“They’ve got a decent understanding and they’re playing their part behind the front four.”

However, their places could soon come under threat from Michael Timlin who could be pushing for a recall after recovering from a bruised heel.

“Fingers crossed Michael will be coming back to the party and he’ll have a part to play tomorrow or on Saturday, said Brown.

“Myles Weston is still out and the game is too soon for Noel Hunt, Stephen McLaughlin and Gary Deegan even though they’re back out on the grass now.”

The Shrimpers are also still missing midfielder Anthony Wordsworth who has an ankle problem.