MICHAEL Timlin feels Southend United should treat anything other than making the play-offs as a bonus this season.

Blues have an outside chance of securing automatic promotion if they beat Macclesfield Town at Roots Hall tomorrow.

But the midfielder is still bracing himself for his side’s season to be extended.

“We have to be ready for the play-offs and if we end up getting more than that it would be fantastic,” said Timlin.

“It would be a real bonus but last weekend at Oxford we wanted to win to keep the momentum going and to try and keep Oxford out of the top seven because they’re a good side.

“Now we’re suddenly talking about the top three and that’s great.

“We will give it our all and do everything the manager asks to try and win the game but if we’re in the play offs come the end of the game then we have to be ready to go again and not miss out.”