ABERDEEN boss Mark McGhee has praised courageous defender Zander Diamond, after his goal salvaged a point for the Dons against Hamilton.
Flavio Paixao had headed home a 62nd-minute corner as Aberdeen appeared set for a fourth consecutive defeat.
But Diamond slotted home Steven MacLean's cutback in the 76th minute after Charlie Mulgrew took a quick free-kick midway inside Hamilton's half to earn the Dons a 1-1 SPL draw.
And McGhee backed the characterful defender - which will surely add weight to calls for Zander to be made Dons captain by the start of next season.
McGhee said: "He is one we have needed, he is one who is hurting at the criticism and the results. He showed to the rest of them a little bit of what's required.
"In some games our reaction and attitude during poor performances has been questioned. In other games it couldn't be questioned. The attitude today was first class.
"If that frustration and anger and determination that Zander was showing today can rub off on the rest of them, and I think it did, it can only be a good thing."
McGhee added: "I felt we deserved a draw. We could have nicked it but that would have been harsh on Hamilton."
Accies boss Billy Reid absolved Diamond of showing malice for a challenge on Imrie that earned him a yellow card while the home fans were baying for red.
"My view of the tackle was I don't think he meant it," Reid said. "It was slightly accidental but he hasn't half smashed him."
McGhee added: "The referee had a good view of it and I had a good view of it. I think it was just a little off timing wise.
"I didn't think the referee was going to send him off, the fourth official didn't either."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk