JUSSI Jaaskelainen has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will continue his long association with Wanderers and stay beyond this summer.
The Big Finn, whose contract runs out in July, has slipped out of the first-team picture since his last appearance in December against Wolves.
But the 37-year-old – who stands fifth in the club’s all-time appearance list – insists he has no axe to grind with the club over his current spell on the bench.
“My team is Bolton Wanderers in the good times and in the bad times too, I feel at home at this club,” he was quoted by the Hungarian press.
Jaaskelainen had held the number one shirt for more than a decade after he was brought to the club by Colin Todd in 1997 from VPS Vasa.
But Bogdan’s rise to prominence this season has seen him put under greater pressure for his first-team place than at any other time.
Despite the rivalry, and his desire to get back into Owen Coyle’s plans, Jaaskelainen has been happy to see Bogdan rank as one of Wanderers’ most consistent performers over a rocky campaign.
“Bogdan is a submissive, respectful and a very hard-working man, I like working with him,” he said. “I didn’t fall apart (when I was pushed out of the first team by him) but I wouldn’t say I easily accepted it. Like every goalkeeper I’m only satisfied when the team sheet starts with my name. But it was in the air that sooner or later he would grab the chance if he got it.
“When I was suspended last year he couldn’t stick in the goal but this year when I was injured he showed impressive performances. He deserved his place. Our relationship is like in the past, if he asks the opinion of the ‘old Jussi’, I help him with pleasure.”
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