Zander: Anfield return will take time to soak in

WE’VE DONE IT . . . Zander Diamond celebrates the victory that earned Athletic a trip to Anfield.

ZANDER Diamond will make the jump from tourist to attraction at Anfield.

The centre-back is a fan of Liverpool, boasting a Steven Gerrard shirt among his memorabilia collection. A year ago he was a wide-eyed visitor being escorted around the ground.

Come early January, Diamond is set to go a giant step better by treading the hallowed turf for a "magical" FA Cup third-round appearance with Athletic.

"It is steeped in history and is my English club," said the 26-year-old, who can soon add Anfield to Ibrox, Celtic Park, Hampden and Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena as iconic stadiums he has played in.

"To go back there as a player, rather than a tourist, is magical. It is one that will have to soak in. I have played at the Old Firm grounds and on the big European stages. But this is different. It is the romance of the FA Cup and is why I came down here. I am enjoying every moment of it."

Diamond is a former Scotland under-21 team-mate of Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam and admits that as a team, Athletic are excited by the forthcoming tie.

"The boys are on a high," he said, following the 1-0 second-round replay win over Southend. We knew what was at stake and we have seen the local papers, but we had to channel it.

"Eventually we got there. It wasn't the greatest of games — but we are going to Anfield, and that is all that counts. It is a credit to us and to the management staff who believe in us. Everyone will enjoy it and have a great day out for Oldham and for the fans."