SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin must stop being a freak if he is to play a key part for the Shrimpers this season.

Timlin has yet to appear this term after suffering two hamstring tears in quick succession.

But the 31-year-old believes he could now be close to making a comeback - just as long as he stays sensible.

“The problem I have is that I’m a bit of a freak and I don’t really feel pain,” said Timlin.

“When I hurt my hamstring for the second time I didn’t really notice too much and I felt really strong.

“I was still going at full tilt but when I went for a scan I was told I had an eight centimetre tear at the bottom of my hamstring.

“Normally not being able to feel the pain is a good thing but this time it’s been a negative and it’s been tough to take as I haven’t played since March now.

“I have to stay sensible about it all and hopefully I’m not going to be out for much longer because I’m starting to feel really good again.”

Timlin is now waiting on an appointment to see a surgeon But he hopes to be back in action by the start of November.

“We’re waiting on an exact time and to go and see a surgeon but I was originally told I would be back around the end of October or early November and I’m still confident that can be the case,” said Timlin.

“But I can’t come back too soon and risk breaking down again because if I do that then I’ll have to have an operation and would probably be out for the rest of the season.”

Despite that, Timlin remains desperate to make a return to the pitch.

And his frustration at being forced to the sidelines has been intensified by Blues’ lowly league position.

“I really want to be out there helping and it’s tough not being able to when the results aren’t going our way,” said Timlin.

“I’m still in the dressing room and talking with the players but there’s only so much you can say, especially at a time when it could knock confidence.

“But we all need to pull together because it’s only this group that can get us out of the position we’re in now.

“We all know we should be higher than we are and it’s taking longer than we wanted to sort things out.

“I know the fans are frustrated but we all need to be together in one big group and give it one more really big push this weekend.”