Back-line challenge

Diamond’s fight to dislodge Mvoto

FIT-AGAIN Zander Diamond has set his sights on returning to Athletic’s starting line-up — but admits

shifting the towering presence of fellow centre-half Jean-Yves Mvoto is a tall order.

The 26-year-old Scot sat out the defeat at Tranmere and the win over Wycombe after jarring his back following a training ground slip, but was back in the squad as an unused substitute for the 3-3 draw at Preston.

“Competition for places is what it is all about at any club wishing to be successful,” said former Aberdeen stopper Diamond ahead of Saturday’s trip to fellow mid-table side Carlisle United.

“It was a bad time for me to get a knock because Nathan Clarke and I were playing well together and I think we complement each other quite well.

“It was extra-frustrating because it was such a freak injury — there was no one challenging me, I just slipped in training and my back jarred.

“I feel fully fit now though. I didn’t get on the pitch at Preston, but I certainly enjoyed the match because it was so entertaining.

“Jean has been brilliant since coming into the side after my injury and I am under no illusions as to how hard it will be to reclaim my place in the starting 11.”

Whether or not he is in the side, the defender believes Athletic are destined for a successful campaign.

Paul Dickov’s side have been guilty of a lack of consistency so far this term, but Diamond does not think final judgements can be made until several key players return from injury.

He added: “I think battling back to draw at Preston demonstrates the fact we are a more resilient group than perhaps we used to be, and I hope it puts us on the path to more consistency.

“But you have to remember even then we were without the likes of Filipe Morais, Reuben Reid and Josh Parker who can all come in and make a big difference.

“Without wanting to make any bold statements, if we have everyone fit and firing we can aim for the top-six this season.”




ATHLETIC supporters’ coaches to Carlisle leave Boundary Park at 11.30am on Saturday. A return fare costs £15 and bookings can be made at the We Are Latics shop.



Meanwhile, Athletic’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday has been moved from Easter Monday to Tuesday, April 10 (7.45pm kick-off).