KEVIN Poole is set to join the rare breed of "fortysomethings" playing top flight football.

The veteran keeper, hailed as the ideal understudy by Sam Allardyce, is expected to be offered an extension to his Reebok contract that could see him line up in the Premiership at the age of 40.

Poole will not need asking twice.

"I haven't spoken to Sam yet so I'll have to play it by ear and see what happens but, if asked, I'd definitely say 'yes'," he confirmed.

"I still feel I've got another couple of years left in me and, if the chance came, I'd sign it.

"Goalies can carry on a lot longer than other players. I'm only 39 and Dave Beasant is 43 and still playing. I've got four years on him. I'm sharp and fit and don't see why I shouldn't carry on."

Allardyce, who signed the former Villa, Middlesbrough, Leicester and Birmingham keeper as a stop-gap measure in October 2001, says the veteran is one of a special breed of players who, apart from having the talent, are able to stay focused during extended periods on the subs' bench. He promoted Poole to number two after allowing Jussi Jaaskelainen's previous understudy, Steve Banks, to go out on loan for regular first team football with Rochdale, Bradford and Stoke.

"It is very difficult to find someone who is comfortable with a number two position and able to be mentally ready to take the opportunities when needed," the manager explained. "That's a huge thing for a keeper and the reason I changed Steve Banks for Kevin.

"Steve is the kind of keeper who is not happy as a number two. He was not right for that role because he is the kind who needs to be

playing every week. And I can't blame him for that."

Of Poole's 300 league appearances in a 22 year career, only three have come since he joined Wanderers but Allardyce has used his presence to give Jaaskelainen a break for this season's three cup ties.

He has been on the subs' bench for all 27 Premiership games but he prepares for every one as though he is in the starting line-up - a routine that paid off last season when he was pressed into service against Everton at the Reebok when Jaaskelainen was injured in the pre-match warm-up.

"You have to," says Poole, who turns 40 in July. "When the chances come along you have to be ready and go through all the warm-up routine as if you're playing.

"I've got used to it. You don't get on very often but you have to be ready, just in case."

Poole sees no reason why he should not be lining up in the Premiership next season: "It's very tight and a couple of teams could be dragged down, such as Birmingham. But, if we keep plugging away and picking up points, we'll be all right."