Burton Albion Football Club

Defender Zander Diamond was pleased to be back in first-team action for the Brewers, having been recalled to the side for Saturday’s Sky Bet League 2 win at home to Cheltenham Town.

“It’s alright to play practice matches but when you’re playing for three points the edge comes back. I enjoyed it but I’m not taking anything for granted. I've been here before so all I can do is keep my form up and give the manager a headache.

“The lads deserve a lot of credit as they kept going even when we lost a goal. We had a few chances in the first half and although we conceded in the second half, but Knowlesy (Dominic Knowles) and Zeli (Ismail) have come off the bench and changed the game.

“To come from behind shows the character this team has. It’s very hard to instil a ‘never say die’ attitude and when you do have it, it’s brilliant to be a part of. When we got the first we kept pushing on for the second and the crowd getting behind us gave us extra impetus. Once we got the second we knew they’d throw everything at us and it was a case of being professional and seeing the game out.”

Diamond has been frustrated not to be in the starting line-up, but now he is back in the side he is determined to stay there. 

“It’s been very frustrating to sit on the bench. I've been a professional for 13 years and this is the first time I've had a long spell on the bench. I've been in the game long enough to know I might be needed to play. 

“I've been on the bench recently but I crave playing the full ninety. It’s unfortunate for Shane to pick up an injury, but it open a door for myself and all I can do is keep playing away and stay within the team when Shane comes back and I hope to be in the side for the rest of the season,” said Diamond.

“I've grown close to the fans since signing last summer. They've been brilliant with me and my family and it’s great to reward them with performances like the one we put in today. I've been working hard out of the team and now I need to work doubly hard to stay in the team.

“I'm happy with my performance today. It’s disappointing not to keep a clean sheet but the three points is the most important thing and now we move on to Tuesday.”