Stuart was named Diamonds' captain after joining from Grays in 2009

Rushden & Diamonds captain Jamie Stuart says that Aaron O'Connor can lead the club's forward line.

The 26-year-old scored 14 goals last season while Craig Farrell and Sam Smith are the club's only other out-and-out, fit first-team strikers.

Stuart told BBC Radio Northampton: "Aaron is ready. He gets the whole team going with his work ethic.

"The manager is open minded to bringing someone else in but we would be fine as we are."

Diamonds manager Justin Edinburgh has focused on strengthening the defence and midfield of his team in the summer.

"I'm confident about the defence and it's just a matter of time before we're totally organised," said Stuart.

"The new recruits have settled in. Hopefully we can all start the season well and perform as I know we can."

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