Jussi set to face Irish

Jussi: International
By Matt Lawton
August 21 2002

Bolton Wanderers star goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is set to start for Finland in their friendly against Ireland tonight. The match has added significance for a former Wanderers star.

The match in Helsinki presents Jaaskelainen with an oppurtunity to cement his place as Finland's number one goalkeeper ahead of the likes of Antti Niemi of Hearts.

The match also completes Jason McAteer's rise from obscurity to international captain. Former Bolton star McAteer has been made captain in the enforced exile of Roy Keane and following Steve Staunton's international retirement.
McAteer impressed as a teenager at non-league Marine and earned a transfer to Bolton at the start of the 92/93 season. He put in several superb performances while playing for Bolton which earnt him a transfer to boyhood heroes Liverpool early in the 95/96 season. However, his move to Anfield never really came off and he left his hometown to join Blackburn Rovers. Despite playing for Bolton's local rivals, McAteer always received a warm reception when spotted at the Reebok. He then left Ewood Park to play for former Wanderers player Peter Reid at Sunderland.
McAteer is sure to enjoy his special night.