Timothee Dieng insists Southend United will keep giving their all despite relegation looming large

The Shrimpers have suffered five defeats in succession and sit 15 points from safety ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Oxford United.

But Dieng says Blues will not be throwing in the towel.

“It’s obviously very hard,” said the Frenchman.

“I hate losing and to lose five on the bounce is very painful.

“It hurts after every game but we have to keep on going.

“We’re professionals and we have to go there on Saturday, give it our all and do everything we can to try and win the game.

“We have no choice and we have to keep going.”

Dieng has worn the Shrimpers armband since Sol Campbell took charge in October.

The former England international also immediately switched Dieng into defence.

But, against Burton on Saturday, the 27-year-old moved back into midfield, where he had previously spent most of his career.

And he remains happy to line up in either role.

“I can play in both positions and I really don’t mind which one I’m in,” said Dieng.

“Wherever the manager thinks is best for me to play and wherever he thinks it’s bests for the team I’ll play.

“I just want to be on the pitch.”

That will be the case again this weekend but Dieng knows eighth placed Oxford will be tough to beat.

“Oxford are a good team and they score a lot of goals,” said Dieng.

“It’s a very hard game for us but we have to be ready and play well.”

And Blues will also need to improve on Saturday’s display against Burton.

“The second half wasn’t good enough and we gave ourselves too much to do,” said Dieng.

“We started slowly and went behind but but after their goal I thought we played well and we deserved the equaliser.

“At half-time we really felt we were in the game but we gave away some bad goals and after that it was always going to be hard to come back.”

Blues midfielder Sam Mantom (knee) and right-back Jason Demetriou (ankle) will both face late fitness checks before this weekend’s game.