Aberdeen star Zander Diamond celebrates birthday with a Celtic cake and party hat

Mar 30 2008 By David Taylor

Zander Diamond

Exclusive Party Bhoy Zander's Celtic Celebration

ABERDEEN hero Zander Diamond celebrates his birthday - decked out in Celtic gear.

The defender is pictured wearing a headband bearing the rival club's name and blowing out candles on a Hoops themed birthday cake sitting beside a Celtic birthday card.

The cake, decorated with a Celtic ribbon, features images of club favourites Massimo Donati, Stephen McManus, Shunsuke Nakamura, Scott Brown and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Dutch striker Vennegoor of Hesselink was blamed for giving Diamond a black eye when Aberdeen knocked Celtic out the Scottish Cup two weeks ago.

After the 1-0 win at Parkhead, boyhood Hoops fan Diamond said: "I have a lot of friends and family who are Celtic supporters. We have put one over on them and it's great to win in Glasgow."

The snaps were taken by Diamond's girlfriend Laura Park as he celebrated his 23rd birthday in a restaurant this month.

She posted them on social networking website Bebo.

Laura, 25, of Dumbarton, grew up near Diamond, who was born in nearby Alexandria.

A friend said: "It is well known Zander has a soft spot for Celtic but no one thought he would appear on the internet decked out in Celtic stuff.

"I'm sure the Aberdeen fans will take it in their stride, as he has proved to be a stalwart for them." Aberdeen fan Alan Duncan said: "Oh dear, that doesn't look very good.

"There are players in every SPL team who support the Old Firm but it doesn't affect how committed they are to the club they play for. I'm sure it was all very tongue in cheek."

An Aberdeen spokesman said: "Zander's family are Celtic fans. If that is how he chooses to celebrate his birthday, we have no problem.

"He is 100 per cent committed to this club and he has been fantastic for us all season."

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