SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin is hoping an injection can cure a long-term shoulder problem and stop him missing the start of the League Two season.

The 27-year-old has noticed a rapid improvement since being given the jab by a top London specialist last Wednesday.

But if the pain returns then Timlin will be forced to have an operation which would keep him sidelined for a minimum of three months.

“I’ve been told the injection has a 70 to 75 per cent chance of working but I have to wait four weeks to find out,” said Timlin.

“If the pain comes back then I will have no choice but to have the operation.

“However, I’m feeling positive about it at the moment and I’m already feeling 10 times better than I was.

“I might have to miss the first week of pre-season and I’m probably doubtful for our first friendly against West Ham.

“But I’m focusing on making sure I’m ready for the start of the season and I’m confident I will be.”

Timlin had been troubled by shoulder pain since last July but the problem became far worse during the play-off clashes against Crewe Alexandra.

The former Fulham trainee was forced to have a pain-killing injection before the second leg against the Railwaymen and another at half-time, before a scan revealed the true extent of the injury.

“It’s a bulging disc, which is like a slipped disc, and that’s been pushing on to the nerves in that area.

“At times the pain has been very severe but, although it’s been annoying for me, I’m just hoping that this can be the end of it now.”

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