Midfielder Tim Dieng thinks the character and belief Gillingham are now showing is something they lacked earlier in the season.

The Gills have collected four points in the past week, despite falling behind on both occasions.

Goals from Oli Hawkins, Max Clark and Conor Masterson saw the Gills to last Friday’s 3-1 win at Notts County before Hawkins again netted with a second-half header on Tuesday against Swindon in a 2-2 draw while substitute Connor Mahoney converted a penalty.

Frenchman Dieng said: “I think that’s what we were lacking in the first part of the season.

“Now, we’re showing it. Basically, we can beat any team.

“Even if we are 1-0 down, the game isn’t done and that’s how we feel at the moment. It’s a great position to be in.

“On Friday, we came from behind against Notts County and again on Tuesday.

“Although we couldn’t finish the job (against Swindon), that’s a good sign that we’ve shown character and we scored goals.”

Dieng was named as the Gills sponsors’ man-of-the-match - but felt the award perhaps should have gone to one of his team-mates who was introduced at half-time in talented young forward Jorge Hurtado. Hurtado won Gillingham’s penalty with a mazy run.

Dieng said: “I think he should have been given man-of-the-match!

“When he came on, he changed the game.

“We’re all fans of him and, hopefully, he can keep doing these kinds of performances and give us that boost - that energy - up front.”

Gillingham walked out to The Last Waltz against Swindon after a change-around in the order of their pre-match music.

On the noise from the club’s supporters, Dieng said: “It was a great atmosphere although, obviously, we didn’t start the game well.

“But overall, that gave us a boost. The fans were great.”

Dieng is enjoying a run back in the team after a ligament injury.

“Being a footballer, being injured is the worst part of the job, I would say,” he admitted. “It’s great to be back in the starting XI and to win on Friday and a great result, with a good performance on Tuesday.

“I’m buzzing to be back. Hopefully, I can keep fit and keep playing.”

A change in formation around the festive period has allowed the likes of defender Masterson to push up the pitch. This, in turn, has added to Dieng’s defensive duties.

He said: “At the moment, he’s going up every time!

“But, to be fair, it’s working and he’s scoring goals, so we cannot say anything to him.

“It’s our job as defenders and centre midfielders to fill those gaps to make sure that we’re right at the back and solid.”

Next up for the Gills is a long trip to Wales to take on Newport on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a tough game - like every game in this league,” Dieng predicted. “But we have enough quality to get the three points.

“We’re going to recover and then get ready for Saturday.”