Megson praise for Jaaskelainen

07 May 2009 15:16
The 34-year-old Finn has been rewarded with a testimonial against Hibernian this summer, having made 425 appearances since his £100,000 transfer from VPS Vaasa in November 1997.[LNB]Jaaskelainen has been an ever-present in the league this season and was in top form in last weekend's goalless draw at Wigan.[LNB]"I think most people recognise the qualities Jussi has. He is certainly not undervalued at this place," said Megson.[LNB]"He has proved to be a fantastic signing. Jussi came to us as raw material.[LNB]"I think we have the best goalkeeping coach in the Premier League in Fred Barber and he has done a great deal of work with Jussi and he has got better and better.[LNB]"He's like a fine wine, as he gets older he gets better and we wouldn't swap him for anyone else."[LNB]There had been a suggestion Megson would give second-string goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi a start before the end of the season but the Bolton boss said first-team places were not to be handed out lightly.[LNB]"It does not work like that. He got his opportunity last season when Jussi was injured and he played in Europe," added Megson.[LNB]"But professional football at this place is not a case of giving someone a game.[LNB]"If Jussi is fit and playing well then he will be in."[LNB]With Premier League survival all-but assured - Bolton are eight points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining - Megson has found time to relax watching the Champions League in the last week.[LNB]He found it somewhat ironic, however, that Chelsea's defensive displays against Barcelona were lauded - in spite of the Stamford Bridge side's semi-final exit - when similar performances by his side are criticised.[LNB]"You see Chelsea playing in Barcelona; Barcelona are one of the world's best teams - as Chelsea are - yet Chelsea put men behind the ball, get a 0-0 and everyone gives them a standing ovation for a great result," he said.[LNB]"When we do it at Arsenal we get criticised for killing the game.[LNB]"It does not seem to be accepted universally - but we have to accept it because there is nothing we can do."[LNB][LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk