JUSSI Jaaskelainen has been granted a testimonial to mark 10 years' service to Bolton Wanderers.

But the Reebok keeper's contract dispute might still be unresolved when he celebrates his decade at the Reebok in November.

Phil Gartside has praised the Finland international's professionalism during the negotiations, but, in answer to Val Higham, who questioned why Wanderers haven't secured one of the Premiership's top three keepers on a long-term deal, the chairman said: "We will give what we feel is the right contract to the right player. We aren't going to be blackmailed into giving contracts we cannot afford."

Gartside refused to meet Jaaskelainen's demands in the summer, leading to speculation that he would quit the Reebok. Even now, despite last season's player of the year saying he intended to see out the remaining year of his contract, there has been fresh talk that Aston Villa are ready to launch a new bid to sign him.

The chairman insisted, however, that his stern stance was just part of the negotiation process.

"Jussi still has a year on his contract and we are still negotiating with him," he added. "He is still here and he is still a great servant to Bolton Wanderers.

"He will get his testimonial. To be fair, the lad is the ultimate professional. His attitude during the negotiations has been fantastic, he's carried on working just as hard and as dedicated as ever.

"We're in a negotiation process and, hopefully, it will be concluded in a positive way."