SOUTHEND United’s in-form striker Gavin Tomlin is a huge doubt for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern section quarter-final against his former side, Brentford.

Tomlin, who has scored seven goals in his last six games, is struggling with a back injury.

But the 29-year-old still hopes to be able to figure at Roots Hall.

“I’m probably in the best scoring form of my career right now so I want to keep on playing but I’ve been in a lot of pain with my back since the Bury game on Saturday,” said Tomlin.

“My back has been sore for a little while and that’s why I had to come off against Torquay.

“However, it’s got worse since then and it might be a case of having to have a bit of a rest to help it cure quicker.”

However, Tomlin would love to be able to take on one of his former teams tonight.

The forward was signed from non league Hayes & Yeading by then Brentford boss Leroy Rosenior in August 2006.

And, despite playing for them just 15 times, he holds happy memories of his time with the Bees.

“Brentford were my first professional club and I enjoyed it, even though I wasn’t actually there that long,” said Tomlin.

“They signed me after I scored twice in a trial game and I played a few times in the first team before getting injured.

“While I was out the manager got sacked and the new one didn’t play me but that’s part of football.

“I would obviously want to play but I may have to be sensible about things because while we want to do well in the cup competitions, the league is our main priority.”

Blues go in to this evening’s game unbeaten in their last eight games but Brentford are also on a fantastic run of the results.

The Bees are fifth in League One and have won five of their last nine outings.