Zander Doubtful

Last updated : 18 August 2008 By Stand Free Ed

Dons defensive talisman Zander Diamond is a major injury doubt for this weekend's visit of Rangers.

Then charismatic defender limped off the pitch with a thigh strain during the Dons' 1-0 victory at Motherwell.

The 23-year-old centre-half, who was bizarrely playing at right-back, was making his first start of the season at Fir Park but only lasted 20 minutes.

Diamond missed much of pre-season with a foot injury and made his first appearance of the season against Caley Thistle from the bench.

He will now face a crucial few days under the scrutiny of the Pittodrie medical staff to determine whether he will be fit for Saturday's big face-off with the Mordor-based club.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said he is not optimistic about Diamond recovering by the weekend, although Jamie Smith, who took ill before Saturday's game, may be fit.

Calderwood said: "I think Jamie will be all right [for the Rangers game] but if Zander has a strain he might not be.

"Apparently Zander felt it on Friday but he never said anything."

Big Zander celebrating the Dons' first goal against the Buns in May.