Dia Another Day

It is so typical of Scottish football that the climax of Zander Diamond's week would be a knee ligament injury that casts doubt over his participation in an SPL game before December. The Bank of Scotland Young Player of the Month had no sooner seen Collin Samuel dive over his leg to gain the penalty that ruined the Dons' run of clean sheets than he was being stretchered off the park to begin treatment on his injury.

Jimmy Calderwood said "The players are gutted for Zander in the dressing room. It looks like he could be out for 6-8 weeks with ligament damage to his knee. It's a shame for the lad but that's football for you."

However, the feeling amongst most supporters after the game was that despite the terrible luck suffered by Zander, his is the one area of the pitch where Aberdeen have substantial cover. Despite the rave reviews earned by Diamond and central defensive partner Russell Anderson this season, Anderson has also struck up a successful partnership with Phil McGuire in previous seasons. Added to that, Scott Severin played as a sweeper for much of Saturday's game, revealing another string to the talented midfielder's bow. With Michael Hart, Markus Heikkinen and even Kevin McNaughton able to deputise as centre-half, the Reds are hardly short of experienced cover.

However, with the big hearted defender showing so far this season the potential to go on to be a great success at the club, and endearing himself to the big Dons support with full-blooded displays, fans will be wishing Zander all the best with his recovery.