He started his career at Craven Cottage as a left-winger but was converted to central midfield by then Academy Director, Steve Kean.

The switch paid remarkable dividends for Timlin as he made rapid progress through the Academy's ranks, and then on to the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.

Timlin initially arrived at The County Ground on loan in November 2006 and went on to make 24 appearances as Town won promotion from League 2.

The midfielder returned to SN1 in March 2008 in a loan deal until the end of the season, playing 10 league games and scoring once in the 6-0 home win over Port Vale in April.

Timlin then made the permanent switch to Wiltshire in the summer of 2008, relocating from his London base to Swindon in the process.

A regular in his first full season in a Town shirt, Timlin struggled to hold down a first team slot in 2009/2010 in the face of the excellent performances given by Jonathan Douglas and Simon Ferry.

The 25-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in July 2010.