Diamond relieved as he shakes off injury problems

The Scotsman has endured a frustrating season with injuries, suffering hamstring problems as well as a broken bone in his foot, but he has started the past four matches and is expected to partner Lee Collins in the centre of defence at Burton on Saturday, despite the availability of Ryan Cresswell after suspension.

“It’s been brilliant to get a run of games,” said Diamond.

“If I was to analyse my season it has been disrupted by injury, and injuries that have not cleared up.

“Much of the team’s success since the turn of year has been built on the defence and the unit at the back, so you have to bide your time.

“You have to understand the boys are playing well, but you have to be ready to go in when needed.

“Lucky enough I have come back and I have started the last few games. I’ll now be hoping to finish off the season with more starts and a performance level that I am happy with to go into the summer.”

Diamond has only played 21 times this season after being a key man in the team’s successful fight against relegation while on loan from Burton last year.

The injuries he has suffered have obviously meant he has struggled to find his rhythm and best form, although he was excellent in the 2-0 win over Cheltenham last weekend.

The 30-year-old admits it hasn’t been his greatest season, and has told the Cobblers fans they have still to see the best of him.

“There is obviously more to come from me,” said the Scotsman.

“The last two games I have been happy with, although it was disappointing to conceded in the manner we did at Oxford.

“But you can always improve, in every training session, on match day, you are always looking to put more pressure on yourself to perform better.

“I am sure every professional is the same, and I am no different, so hopefully we can sign off the season in a positive manner and then come back after the summer raring to go.”