IN an age where goalkeepers are coming under increasing scrutiny - few stand up to examination quite like Bolton's 'Mr Dependable' Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Single-minded, reliable, the 29-year-old flouts many of the characteristics normally associated with foreign goalkeepers, and has been doing so since joining Wanderers all the way back in 1997 from VPS Vassa.

But despite spending eight seasons at the Reebok, the mighty Finn has found FA Cup appearances hard to come by.

Whites boss Sam Allardyce has used the competition to blood squad players such as Kevin Poole, Jani Viander, Juergen Sommer and Steve Banks in recent years, leaving Jaaskelainen an interested spectator.

In fact, Jaaskelainen has only made eight appearances for the Whites in the famous competition, but has been ever-present in this year's campaign as the club's improved league form allows Allardyce to play some of his big guns in the cup.

"It's different this year," he said, before the fifth round home clash with Fulham.

"Our main aim has always been the league but, for the first time, the cup is probably more important.

"Four wins and that's a place in Europe. It's not easy, but it's the easiest way to get into Europe."

Jaaskelainen made his FA Cup debut in 1999 in a 2-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium against Wolves in front of 18,000 fans.

Robbie Keane scored either side of half time to cancel out a Scott Sellars effort, but happier times were to come for Jasskelainen.

He played as Bolton edged out Charlton 1-0 in the quarter finals of the 2000 competition with only 10 men - Dean Holden having been sent off - and lined up at Wembley for the semi final against Aston Villa.

"Some of my nicest memories are from that day at Wembley," said Jaaskelainen.

"It was a great day out for the players and, especially for their families, friends and fans.

"Walking out at Wembley was definitely special for me."

Wanderers lost the game on penalties, and have yet to progress as far in the competition again, failing to get past the third round in the last two seasons.

They reached the fifth round in 2002, but crashed out 3-0 against Blackburn Rovers.

Statistics continually show the Finn to be one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the top flight over recent seasons.

For example, Wanderers have not won a league game without Jaaskelainen in their side since March 2002, when Kevin Poole presided over a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa.

Last season, Allardyce singled out the Carling Cup as the Wanderers' best route into Europe. And once they had progressed through the initial rounds, the relaible Jaaskelainen was used in both the semi finals and final.

But this time around, the Finn has been used against Ipswich, Oldham and Fulham - and looks a fair bet to start the game against Arsenal as the Whites go all out for glory in the FA Cup.