MICHAEL Timlin proved he was a cut above the rest during a remarkable show of bravery in Southend United’s successful play-off push.

Five years ago today, the tough tackling midfielder was left needing 15 stitches after a sickening clash of heads of with Stevenage’s Bira Dembele.

But remarkably, Timlin recovered in time to score in the second leg just four days later to help Phil Brown’s side reach Wembley.

And Timlin was determined to make a difference after hearing Graham Westley’s half-time team talk.

“He gave me more determination for the second leg than anyone else because I heard him at half-time,” said Timlin.

“He was saying I was weak because I came off whereas their player stayed on for longer so he showed more determination and strength.

“It riled me up and it spurred me on to score in the second leg.

“It’s also why when I did score that I went to run towards the benches because I was running towards him.

“But I think Ryan Leonard grabbed me and everyone fell to the ground.

“Funnily enough, Graham Westley ended up being my manager at Stevenage so I’ve told him that and he just laughed.

“He said he wasn’t surprised and said he had liked my character ever since that night.

“He also joked I should have been arrested for GBH let alone sent off.”

“But what he said back then really gave me more determination for the second leg.”

Timlin’s head clash went viral on social media and has since been watched 35,000 times on YouTube.

But it actually took Timlin time to realise just how bad his injury was.

“When it happened it didn’t seem as bad as it actually was,” said Timlin.

“It was only when I went into the changing room to have a shower that I realised the extent of it.

“I thought the cut was just on my eyebrow and I didn’t realise it went all along my forehead.

“I looked in the mirror and thought blimey this is bad but I was desperate to get back outside to see how we got on.”

Blues drew the first leg 1-1 at Broadhall Way.

And Timlin was immediately eager to play his part in the second clash at Roots Hall.

“Going home that night after the game all I was thinking about was is the doctor going to say I can’t play,” said Timlin.

“That was at the forefront of my mind and I wasn’t thinking about the scar or anything like that.

“I was just hoping I could play in the second leg.”

However, for Timlin to feature he needed to protect the deep wound.

And that led him searching for a rugby skull cap.

“I got told I needed some kind of protection so I just went to Sports Direct near the airport,” said Timlin.

“I was looking for a rugby skull cap and I found one which was perfect.

“But to begin with I remember not being able to physically wear it.

“I couldn’t get it over my head and it was off putting.

“I didn’t think it would allow me to focus on my game but Ben (Clarkson) said I couldn’t play if I didn’t wear it.

“Benji had to put a lot of padding on the cut and there was a lot of Vaseline over the scar too.

“It would all start coming down when I sweated and it was pushing the swelling down onto my eye as well.”

And Timlin now admits he took to the field in the second leg despite not really being able to see.

“The first day or two after the first leg I couldn’t see out of my eye at all,” recalled Timlin.

“A day or two before the second leg it started to open up a little bit but being honest I couldn’t see that well.

“If I looked to the side quickly I couldn’t focus.

“I had to turn my whole head.

“It can be hard to see the ball in the floodlights at Roots Hall in a night game anyway but I just remember thinking I’m going to have to keep this to myself.

“If was like when you’ve had a few drinks and you tell yourself to take your time and get your senses.

“But I was trying to make sure it wasn’t obvious so I had to try and slow everything down.”

And Timlin also felt it was impossible to tell whether or not he had concussion.

“The problem was there’s a thing when you get concussed that says you get temperamental and agitated but that was me anyway,” laughed Timlin.

“But nobody was going to stop me playing that night.”

Timlin went on to score Blues’ third goal in a thrilling 3-1 victory which set up their never to be forgotten Wembley win against Wycombe Wanderers.

But Timlin had added excitement that summer, his wedding.

And his scar led him being recognised stateside on the honeymoon.

“I did think what the scar might be like for the wedding but I wouldn’t have changed any of it and it was an unforgettable few weeks, “said Timlin.

“We stopped off in Santa Barbara on the honeymoon and I was trying on some trainers.

“The boy serving me caught a glimpse of my scar so he was asking about what happened.

“I explained and he then said he’d seen it on social media and got it up on his phone to show me.

“My cousins were telling me that people in Sweden had been talking about it too.

“It was just remarkable for someone the other side of the world to see it pop up on his phone.”

But Timlin remains pleased at his part in an unforgettable period.

“I love the fact the fans still think about it because it’s a memory which will live with me forever too,” said Timlin.

“It probably put me and Southend on the footballing map for a while.

“I’m thankful for that time too because we’re part of history and a big part of it too.

“You can never top that period and I’ve the scar to remember it with as well.”