Diamond needs a bit more polish.

Byline: By Ian Orr

JIMMY CALDERWOOD has backed Zander Diamond to reach the pinnacle of the game - but only if he stays out of blunderland.

Aberdeen boss Calderwood was so convinced about the giant defender's potential that he booted out a seven-figure bid for him in his first season at Pittodrie.

But he insists Diamond must cut out mistakes if he is to captain Aberdeen and make it to the big time. Calderwood said: "Zander went through a difficult stage after a brilliant first season.

"He had a great mentor and captain beside him in Russell Anderson and learned a great deal from him.

"There was a mad phase when everything he touched turned to an opposition goal but he came through that. He still has his moments and both he and Scott Severin made calamitous errors against Dundee United at Tannadice earlier in the season.

"He has been at his best in certain games this season but must put a run together.

"He wasn't at his best at Kilmarnock recently but he has played well since then.

"He has so much quality he should not be producing that kind of performance, he should be above that now. The good thing is he has come back stronger from his Achilles injury.

"You only have to look at his displays against the Old Firm, where he was outstanding. If you can play against them, you can play against anyone."

The Dons are in action against United at Pittodrie tomorrow and victory can take them above Craig Levein's side in the battle for third place in the SPL. Calderwood says Diamond will be a key player against a team with big, physical team who have the likes of Jon Daly, Warren Feeney and Andis Shala up front.

He said: "United pose a threat at dead-ball situations with those forwards plus Lee Wilkie, Darren Dods and Garry Kenneth so it's good to have Zander available.

"His injury went just as suddenly as it came."

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ADVICE: Calderwood