ZANDER DIAMOND, the Aberdeen defender, has urged Scotland coach Walter Smith to reward Russell Anderson's consistency with a regular starting spot.

The 20-year-old has spent three seasons playing alongside Pittodrie captain Anderson and ahead of today's Bank of Scotland Premierleague visit of Falkirk has insisted he deserves to be an international first pick.

The 27-year-old has seven caps to his name but has not played for the national team since the 2-2 friendly draw in Austria in August 2005.

But, with Smith naming his squad for the friendly with Switzerland next month on Monday, Diamond said: "Since I got into the Aberdeen first team, I have always said Russell should be starting international games for Scotland.

"He's been Mr Consistency forAberdeen and has helped me a lot over the years."

Kenny Milne, the Falkirk defender, has meanwhile told his team-mates if they can keep it tight at the back they'll ensure SPL survival.

The 26-year-old is sure that curbing an attacking instinct has helped Falkirk maintain successive clean sheets in their last two matches. He said: "In the last few games, we have looked more solid and we need to carry that on for the rest of the season."