JUSSI Jaaskelainen is pleased with the defensive progress Wanderers have made since Owen Coyle’s arrival as manager.

The big Finn had failed to keep a clean sheet in 22 games before the Glaswegian took charge at the Reebok in early January.

But after celebrating another shutout against Wigan on Wednesday night, Jaaskelainen believes the improved defence can now provide a solid bedrock for a push towards safety in the next few months.

“Since the manager came in the players have worked hard, have more confidence, chased more and kept with their runners — they really want to keep a clean sheet and that’s the biggest difference,” he said.

“We created chances against Wigan and maybe should have put some away but the best thing is that we got the clean sheet.

“We have had three in the last five league games now and that’s pleasing because we hadn’t managed any in the rest of the season.”

Jaaskelainen’s job was made all the more difficult at the DW Stadium by a terrible pitch, and the veteran keeper admitted he had to keep his wits about him at times.

“It wasn’t a good pitch,” the 34-year-old shot-stopper told Wanderers Player.

“You had to play safe and just clear the ball. You couldn’t play football in the wrong areas at all. It was the same for both teams though.”

Following the goalless midweek draw against the Latics, Wanderers now turn their attention to another local derby against Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn Rovers.

And while the big games are coming thick and fast, Jaaskelainen is content with the performances in recent weeks.

“Every game is a big one for us now,” he said.

“The next five in the league are cup finals. We just have to make sure we get some points.

“If we perform like we have in the last couple of games, I’m sure points will follow.”