Wednesday Mar 19 2008 06:52
Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson has not given up hope of persuading contract rebel goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to sign a new deal at the Reebok Stadium.
The long-serving Finland international will not play again this season after being told to rest a back injury for six weeks prior to undergoing surgery.
That led to claims that Jaaskelainen had played his last game for the Trotters as he is out of contract in the summer and turned down the offer of a new deal earlier in the season.
However, Megson has refused to concede defeat in his efforts to keep the 32-year-old shot-stopper at the club.
He said: "Jussi is finished for the season, but hopefully his Bolton career is not finished."
Meanwhile, Megson has demanded an improvement when Wanderers travel to Old trafford to take on Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
Bolton's relegation fears intensified when they lost 1-0 at fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic last weekend despite playing against ten-man opposition for 85 minutes.
"It was a poor performance and a shocking result for us at Wigan, but we were masters of our own downfall," he continued.
"I can accept it if at times we don't pass it well or dribble well or whatever, but we just didn't get up for the game, which is something I hope never to see again.
"We let ourselves down badly and we've got to get a response from everybody."
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