British Centreback Excited Over ‘Magical’ Trip to Anfield

Oldham Athletic centreback Zander Diamond says he couldn't be more excited to make the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.

The 26 year old, who joined Oldham in the summer from Aberdeen, visited the Merseyside ground last year as a tourist, and will now return hoping to defeat the team he supported as a boy.

And while Liverpool are hoping to progress to win their first silverware since 2006, Diamond has revealed he will enjoy the experience of playing against the English giants, no matter what the score ends up being.

"It is steeped in history and is my English club," he told the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

"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."

Oldham are currently 16<sup>th in the League One table, but after coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Southend, the Scot believes that when by the time the clash rolls around, the squad will be pumped to play the Reds, who are vying for a Champions League spot.

"The boys are on a high," he explained. "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."

Liverpool face Oldham on the 6<sup>th January.