CONFIRMATION that Gary Megson is aiming to break the stalemate in contract negotiations with Jussi Jaaskelainen will have been music to the Finland international's ears.

The Wanderers keeper admits doubts over his Reebok future have made life difficult.

The fact he could be free to walk away at the end of the season has seen Jaaskelainen linked with a number of top clubs.

Jaaskelainen, who has been at the club for 10 years, is eager to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

"Nothing happened since last June, so it's very difficult," he said. "But I'm just focusing on playing for Bolton Wanderers," he said.

Meanwhile, the keeper has paid tribute to the role his defence, and in particular central defenders, Andy O'Brien and Abdoulaye Meite, has played in the team's recent improved fortunes which has seen them keep clean sheets in their last two Premier League games.

He said: "The way we've been defending has been delightful. I've been very happy with my centre-halves because they are playing very well together and seem to be getting better every week.

"People can see from the results and the way we've been playing, it's getting better. If we keep working hard we will get out of trouble."

Jaaskelainen is predicting a tough trip to Anfield tomorrow but believes the next two home games, against Wigan and Birmingham, will have a greater bearing on Wanderers' rise up the table.

He said: "We need to go and play the way we've been playing and make it tough for them. Hopefully, we can get something to go into two massive home games."