Southend United midfielder Mark Tinkler believes he is gradually getting back to his very best form.

The former Leeds United star is the first to admit he has gone off the boil over the last couple of months.

But the 25-year-old pass master is desperate to recapture the high level of performance he displayed when he first joined Blues at the start of the season.

"I haven't been playing as well recently, but I definitely feel that I've made an improvement over the last few games," said Tinkler, who joined the Shrimpers for £40,000 from York City.

"When I first moved to Roots Hall I was on fire and I was happy with my performances, but I got struck down by a nasty flu bug a couple of months ago which hit me hard.

"I lost over a stone in weight, which made me weak, and I'm just getting over it now."

Nobody can question Tinkler's ability, when he first moved south he looked a class act, pinging long-range passes across the pitch and controlling the Seasiders' central midfield.

However, the talented schemer wants to brush up on another aspect of his game - goalscoring - which is something he has not achieved for Southend to date.

"Usually I get my fair share of goals from midfield, but I'm still waiting for the first one to come along this season," added Tinkler, who hit eight league goals in 90 games for York.

"I suppose I'd better start having some shots, otherwise I could be in for a long wait."

Mark Tinkler - recapturing his early form

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