TIMOTHEE Dieng wants to use his new found freedom to fire Southend United into the third round of the FA Cup.

Dieng, who has mostly been used in a central midfield role for the Shrimpers so far this season, scored in a more attacking role against Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night.

And the Frenchman is keen to secure more success against Barnsley tomorrow as he bids to advance past the second round of the competition for the first time in his career.

“I enjoyed playing in that role and I’m happy to keep doing it if it’s what the manager wants me to do to help the team,” said Dieng.

“It’s an attacking midfield role but the manager just told me to make sure Coxy (Simon Cox) wasn’t isolated so that’s what I was trying to do.

“I liked it and it was nice to score the goal because that’s the best feeling possible in football, along with winning, and we got both on Tuesday.

“I’ll do my best to get more goals now, hopefully against Barnsley.”

Dieng, who is a keen Arsenal fan, grew up watching the FA Cup as a youngster back home in France.

And he is therefore eager to beat Barnsley.

“It would be great to win and to be in the draw with all of the big Premier League teams,” said Dieng.

“That’s what we will be aiming for but we can’t really think that far ahead because Barnsley are a good side with some very good players.”

Blues were beaten 1-0 by the Tykes at the start of November.

But Chris Powell’s side will be heading into the latest clash on a high after returning to winning ways against Scunthorpe.

“The manager said we had to get the win and it didn’t matter how,” said Dieng.

“It was important to get the three points and it was a relief too.

“But we want to keep on winning now and it would be good if we did that against Barnsley to make the third round.”