TIMOTHEE Dieng was happy to turn back time to help Southend United.

The Frenchman lined up at the heart of the defence for the Shrimpers’ 3-1 defeat against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

But the 27-year-old - who is more used to lining up in midfield - had no problems reverting to the position in which he started his career.

“It’s fine playing in defence because I have done it before and it’s actually where I started my career,” said Dieng.

“I was a defender as a youth team player and all throughout playing in France as well as the first year-and-a-half with Oldham.

“It’s probably only the last two or three years I’ve played in midfield so I didn’t mind going back.

“I just needed a little bit of time to readjust but if the manager wants me to keep on playing there then it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Dieng was unable to stop the Shrimpers’ winless streak stretching to a seventh game.

But he is already enjoying working with new Blues boss Sol Campbell.

“The new manager has us working very hard but it’s been good,” said Dieng.

“He’s very positive with us and he’s talking with us a lot too.

“He’s given us all good advice and obviously I’m an Arsenal fan so it’s also good for me to be working with a legend of the club.

“But I don’t think I can be asking him for tickets!”

Campbell will be taking charge of the Shrimpers for a second time this weekend when they head to Sunderland on Saturday.

And Dieng is looking forward to the clash.

“It’s a great place to go and play,” said Dieng.

“They’re a big club with a big ground and we’ll be ready for the game.

“Training is going well and there’s a positive feel around the place.

“It’s obviously a difficult game but we have to go there believing we can get the win because otherwise there’s no point in even making the journey.

“There was plenty to be positive about in the Ipswich game but we want to go and build on that now.”