JANI Viander could finally provide the solution to Wanderers' goalkeeping problems.

The Reebok new boy is determined to follow in the footsteps of fellow Finn, Jussi Jaaskelainen, by making a name for himself in the Premiership.

And Sam Allardyce hinted that there is a good chance he will be offered a deal when his three-month loan spell expires.

"Hopefully Jani will be the answer in the long term," the manager said as he crossed his fingers and hoped for a period of stability on the keeper front.

Wanderers turned to Viander when they rushed through a loan deal with his club, HJK Helsinki, after being impressed by the 26-year-old Finland international during a trial.

He was immediately drafted into the squad for the Ipswich game as cover for Jaaskelainen, who was still struggling with a back injury. In the end though, he had to watch from the sidelines after the Bolton number one passed a late fitness test and Kevin Poole was given the subs' shirt.

Nevertheless, Allardyce is now banking on Viander to ease the pressure on a position that has caused him a succession of problems in recent weeks.

"Janni's here for three months and, along with Kevin Poole and Jussi Jaaskelainen, gives us ample cover with lots of experience," the manager told Touchline Television.

"Although Steve Banks has fallen behind these three, we still have enough strength in depth, which is very pleasing. Over the last few games it's been a worry ... the goalkeeping position has been precarious."

Banks, who had been undisputed number two behind Jaaskelainen, fell out of favour after making his Premiership debut in the 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa, where the manager blamed him for the first goal.

Now Viander is ready to make the most of his winter break at the Reebok, with Jaaskelainen, who played a part in his recruitment, his inspiration.

"I've known Jussi since I was 13," he explains. "We have been in the same national teams and maybe he gave the word (recommendation).

"I've been following Jussi ... he has made a step up all the time. It's very, very nice to see he's a solid keeper in the Premiership.

"It gives you the belief that with training you can achieve the same things."

Viander missed out on a championship medal when HJK - Finland's biggest club - were pipped for the title on the final day of the season last month.

"There was an agent involved," the 26-year-old keeper revealed as he explained how he came to sign for Wanderers.

"I have played in the Finland national team and in the UEFA Cup ... I'm 26 and want some new challenges. It's great to get a chance to see what I can do with a Premiership club."

Viander, who played in Belgium five years ago with KV Kortrijk, says Finland has produced a rich seam of goalkeeping talent in recent years, although he acknowledges Jaaskelainen and Hearts' keeper Antii Niemi as being ahead of him in the international pecking order.

"I played two and a half years ago against Northern Ireland in the European Championships when Jussi and Niemi were playing second team football and I was playing first team football.

"Generally I have been in the national teams when they have not taken players from abroad."