West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has stated that he is “Working hard” to retain his status as number one goalkeeper at the club.
The veteran Finn was the Hammers first choice goalkeeper up until January, however, poor inconsistent performances from Jaaskelainen himself forced Sam Allardyce to drop the ageing keeper, and opt for Spanish keeper Adrian.
Jaaskelainen had previously played 18 League games, keeping eight clean sheets for the East Londoners.
However, Jaaskelainen’s replacement Adrian, has currently been in impressive form for the Hammers, and has helped Allardyce’s men climb up the League table, with the Spanish keeper keeping five clean sheets in the 10 games he has currently played in.
And with ten games to play, Adrian looks set to maintain his place as Allardyce’s side, leaving Jaaskelainen out in the cold.
In a rare interview to West Ham’s official website, the Finn stated…..
“When you lose your place there is no point in sulking. I’m just trying to work as hard as I can and to support Adrian in every possible way. Hopefully, if I get one more chance, I will try to grab it and keep the shirt as long as I can. You never know what is happening in the future in football.’ – West Ham”.
Jaaskelainen’s current deal expires in the summer, and the 38 year old’s contract is not expected to be renewed, as the former Bolton legend approaches the autumn of his footballing career.
Jaaskelainen has not played a Premier League since the 2-1 defeat at Fulham on New Years day, and if these are his final few months in professional football, the Finn will be keen to impress manager Sam Allardyce.
The keeper had enjoyed a superb 15 year career at Bolton Wanderers, with the majority of that time spent under Allardyce, making more than 400 League appearances for the club, before leaving in 2012 following the clubs relegation.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
