JUSSI Jaaskelainen will become Public Enemy No 1 this season if he continues to produce the kind of breathtaking performances that brought derby delight to the Reebok on Saturday.

The Mighty Finn, who pulled off a handful of vital saves to defy poor Preston and secure a 2-0 win, could be the man who scuppers England's World Cup hopes.

Germany might be considered the biggest threat to Kevin Keegan's hopes of qualifying through Group 9 but, if the Wanderers' keeper has anything to do with it, the games against Finland in October and March won't be easy.

Jaaskelainen, who won his fifth international cap in Finland's surprise 3-1 win triumph over Norway 13 days ago and is in the squad for Saturday's opening qualifier against Albania in Helsinki, modestly points out that he is not guaranteed to get the No 1 shirt. Competition comes from the more experienced Antii Niemi but the Hearts keeper should know he now has a high class rival in the 6ft 3ins frame of the Reebok man.

"The confidence is growing," Jaaskelainen acknowledged after completing his second shut out in successive league games, including a spectacular double save, to help Wanderers secure three priceless points and move into second place in the table.

"I've played something like 80 games now for Bolton and I'm getting more experienced. I've only had four or five games for my country. It was my turn last time but what happens after that I don't know.

"Anyway I'm not looking any further than the next game and that's at Tranmere."

The self-effacing Finn was quick to share the praise with his defenders for his latest clean sheet but there is no question that, had he not been in such unbeatable form, Wanderers would have had their work cut out preventing Preston taking at least a share of the derby spoils.

"He's becoming a huge, awesome size for anybody to beat," Sam Allardyce said. "I think when people see him in that goal now, they think to themselves 'How the hell am I going to get it past him?'

"Jussi's right on top of his game and the confidence he brings to the back four suggests he doesn't feel he's going to get beat at any stage.

"He made some excellent saves when needed and that in itself has won us a football match, just as much as the good finishes."

Midfielder Iain Anderson, foiled twice in a breathtaking sequence at the end of the first half when North End looked sure to score, paid tribute to Jaaskelainen from the rival camp: "He was good, in fact he was very good! He made some great saves and the one when he touched my shot onto the bar was unbelievable."