Diamond happy to put Latics first

Zander Diamond

CLUB comes firmly before country for Zander Diamond.

Athletic’s confident Scottish centre-back — fancied by Rangers for a million-pound move when a teenager — is more interested in helping his side up the npower League One table than aiding the national team he once captained at under-21s level.

“I have said it before and will say it again — I am happy to play my league football,” said the 26-year-old, who would “love” to extend his stay with Athletic beyond his current one-year contract.

“I have come through the ranks with Scotland, but it isn’t on my immediate agenda to get back in the fold.

“I see squads get announced and have a wry smile, but I don’t lose any sleep over it and I never have.”

Sticking with the Scotland topic, former Aberdeen centre-back Diamond has no problem with the recent call-up of a fellow League One performer, Huddersfield’s Jordan Rhodes.

The prolific Oldham-born striker qualifies to play through his school attendance north of the border while father Andy — formerly a goalkeeper with Athletic — was plying his trade for St Johnstone and Airdrie.

“I was up in Scotland at the weekend and I got hold of a newspaper that had an article in there which had a national team made up of English-based players,” Diamond added.

“Matt Gilks (Blackpool) and Andrew Driver (Hearts) are from around these parts too and it seems to be the way forward now.

“Jordan has never played in Scotland. But if it benefits the national team, I don’t see anything wrong with it.

“He has done really well in the under-21s, so I don’t see why you can’t exploit the rules to get the best.”


ATHLETIC fans disposing of unwanted CDs, DVDs and computer games at Boundary Park this weekend have a chance to win a trip to Barcelona.
These unwanted items — placed in a lime green pod in front of the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road Stand in a bag with name, address and contact details attached to enter the prize draw — will be used to raise funds for Athletic's youth-development programme.


ATHLETIC are putting on a special ‘Italian Day’ tomorrow in the sponsors’ suite, featuring food, music and a visit from Luca Scapuzzi and Andrea Mancini.
The cost is £35 for adults and £23 for concessions, while season-ticket holders can upgrade for £10. To book, call (0161) 785 5150.