SOUTHEND United’s Timothee Dieng is happy to fill in at centre-back for the Shrimpers - now he remembers how to play there!

Dieng moved back into defence for the Shrimpers’ 2-0 defeat at Colchester United in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.

And the Frenchman is more than willing to remain in the role if required at Gillingham this weekend.

“It’s a role I know because I played the early stages of my career there,” said Dieng.

“It was a long time ago I played there, probably three years or so, so I was a bit rusty to start with but I tried my best and did all I could.

“I don’t mind playing there again but it’s the manager who picks the team!”

Dieng originally lined up as one of three centre-backs against the U’s before the Shrimpers switched to a 4-4-2 formation at half-time.

However, Dieng felt comfortable in both roles as Blues changed formations mid-match for the third game in succession.

“You have to be able to adapt so it wasn’t a problem,” said Dieng.

“But, of course, we’re all disappointed because we felt as though we could have stopped both goals and we have to do better.

“We want to move forward in this competition too so it was a disappointing night.”

However, Dieng refused to blame the flat feel to the game for the bad result.

“It shouldn’t be an issue,” said Dieng.

“You should treat every game the same, even if the stadium is empty.”

But Dieng is now eager to bounce back at Gillingham this weekend.

“It’s going to be tough there but we have momentum in the League and hopefully we can keep that going,” he added.