MICHAEL Timlin wants to celebrate his birthday early by helping Southend United move back in to the automatic promotion places with a win at Hereford tomorrow.

The midfielder turns 27 on Monday.

And he is keen to kick start the party by helping Blues return to the top three.

“We want to get the right result and be back in the automatic places again,” said Timlin, whose side slipped to fourth in the table after Torquay United won 1-0 at Rotherham on Tuesday night.

“I think we need to use dropping down a place to drive us on even more.

“It certainly shouldn’t have a negative affect on the team but this is the most important stage of the season now and we need to be at our best.

“The prize at the end of it all is huge and every point is crucial so we want all three against Hereford.

“It would be a nice way to start my birthday celebrations too.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO