JUSSI Jaaskelainen took stock today and claimed the injury that threatened his career had done him a power of good!

The philosophical Finn refused to be downhearted when he was told in January that he had damaged a cruciate knee ligament. Instead he took heart from Ricardo Gardner's successful, high-speed recovery from the same injury, put his faith in the same American surgeon and set his sights on the Premiership.

Now he is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the country, heading the stats ratings and attracting enough attention and admiration to be repeatedly touted as a target for Manchester United.

"Injuries are not always a bad thing," says the Reebok stopper. "I am only 26 and I knew that, as a goalkeeper, I still had a long, long time. I just knew that when I came back I would be stronger mentally and physically ... and I am.

"I'm just glad to be back playing again. I'm pleased with my form but I know I have to keep that level all season."

Jaaskelainen, who once suffered such a crisis of confidence that he slipped to third choice behind Keith Branagan and Steve Banks, is now considered by his team-mates as the most reliable last line of defence.

"Playing in front of him is fantastic," says club captain and centre-back Mike Whitlow. "He did his cruciate last year but he started the season and has been fantastic for us and he will go on to do very well. He's only 26 and compared to Schmeichel and Barthez, who are the very good goalkeepers, he's just a baby.

"There have been a few disappointing games when we've let him down a little bit but he's pulled us out."

The 6ft 4ins Finland international produced the latest of a collection of world class saves when he kept out ChristianZiege's first half free kick at Spurs on Monday but he ended up being beaten three times as Wanderers suffered a defeat Sam Allardyce and his players found hard to stomach.

JBut Jaaskelainen says there is nothing to be gained from dwelling on the negative aspects. "That's all gone now," he said ahead of tomorrow's duel with Derby.

"We're just thinking about the good things that we can take into the next game. We have to learn from our mistakes; we didn't defend very well and we have to look at that but there were some good points too."

Whitlow, who picked up a knock on his ankle in training yesterday but is expected to get the all-clear, denies that the failure to take a point at White Hart Lane has put pressure on Wanderers to get at least a draw at Pride Park.

"We've known from Day One that every game was going to be tough," he says. "You get a point at one place, three points from another ... they're all difficult. We were close the other night but we've had a wee bit of luck in some games which maybe just wasn't there form us at Tottenham.

"We've got over it though and we're looking forward to the next one."