LIFE’S a lot more fun near the top of League One than the bottom for Timothee Dieng.

The Frenchman is not worried by the growing expectation as City look to strengthen their hold on a top-six spot.

For Dieng, it makes a welcome change from fighting against the drop as he was third from bottom with Oldham at this stage last year.

“I don’t feel any pressure really because you always want to win as a competitor, wherever you are in the league,” he said.

“But it is nicer than when I was at the other end. Then you felt it because every game was a final.

“We’ve got to play Shrewsbury, who are in that position now, and I definitely prefer to be where we are.”

Dieng has noticed a more relaxed mood among the players following their winning start to 2017. Back-to-back wins after that month of draws have lifted spirits ahead of today’s trip to Shropshire.

“We’ve started the year the best way we can and there is a positive mood in training,” said Dieng.

“It’s good to be back winning again. It’s been a long time. It is very exciting because now we have a target.

“We are in a good position but we need to keep working – and winning. We have done a great job so far and we don’t want to waste it.

“We have set the standard with the quality of our game and we have to keep that up. Do that and I think we will be fine.”

While Josh Cullen and Nicky Law may get the midfield spotlight, Dieng has quietly established himself with 23 starts.

“I’m very happy how it’s going,” he said.