Wanderers' fit again keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has revealed how team-mate Ricardo Gardner helped him overcome his injury nightmare. The Giant Finn turned to Gardner because the Jamaican knows only too well what it is like to suffer a serious injury.
Gardner broke his leg at the start of the season but shocked doctors by making a rapid recovery and went on to play a vital part in Wanderers' promotion campaign.
Jaaskelainen, almost completely recovered from the cruciate ligament injury to his knee which he picked up playing against Tranmere Rovers, said: "I was told I was going to be out for the rest of the season and just try not to let it get to me. It's always going to be frustrating to be out for a long time but I just have to make sure I don't overdo things and make the problem any worse.
"I spoke to Ricardo because he had been out at the start of the season with a similar problem and came back stronger than ever. He gave me a lot of confidence about getting fit again.
"It's all about getting the strength back in my knee now and I have to concentrate on getting back in contention for a place in the first team at the beginning of the campaign."
Meanwhile Gardner's hopes of being involved in the World Cup Finals next year suffered a blow when Jamaica suffered a 2-1 defeat in Costa Rica. Gardner was suspended for the game which leaves his country with only a slender chance of qualifying.
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