SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed the Shrimpers are having to hold Michael Timlin back on his return from a hamstring injury.

Timlin is making good progress from the problem he picked up against West Ham United in pre-season.

But the midfielder is being urged to ease his workload to avoid suffering another setback.

“Michael is making very good progress but we’re having to hold him back a little back,” said Brown.

“We’ve spoken to the experts and he’s at high risk of injuring himself again and having another six weeks out if he doesn’t ease back a little bit.

“It’s a grey area that physiotherapists and medical people live in whereas footballers are far more black and white.

“But they’re the experts and we have to listen to them especially if it means Michael avoiding another injury.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long until he’s back.”

And Brown also hopes Anthony Wordsworth will soon be back in contention as he continues his own comeback from a hamstring injury.

“The operation Woody had seems to have been a success,” said Brown.

“Hopefully he will be back in two or three weeks.”