Niemi impresses for Fulham
21 Oct 2007 - 11:03:54
-
- Niemi impresses for Fulham
Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi won grudging praise from boss Lawrie Sanchez following the goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Derby County.
The 35-year-old Finland international stepped in for the injured Kasey Keller, with Sanchez clear that Niemi needed to impress against the Rams.
He said: "Niemi earned his money and about time. He's had injuries, but he had three games this season and he let seven goals in. He was at fault for some of those goals.
"Kasey Keller would have been starting but he trained on Friday and then said his arm hurt. He has now got a slight tear of a tendon in his upper arm and could not play.
"I told Niemi he was supposed to be number one at this club, but he hadn't done it so far this year, the first three games were not good enough, but this time he showed he is a good goalkeeper."
Meanwhile, Sanchez had no complaints about the sending-off of Paul Konchesky for a clash with Craig Fagan right on half-time.
He added: "I don't think there was any argument to be fair.
"The referee had no other option and now we miss him for three games which will be a big miss for us, because he has been our best player.
"I will have a word with Paul on Monday and see what it was about, because it seemed out of character in terms of the game."