JUSSI Jaaskelainen has been compared to Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel for his heroic displays during Wanderers' impressive start to the campaign.

The accolade came from Sam Allardyce, who added that the big Finn was the main reason his side have remained unbeaten since August and won their last four matches in the Premiership.

Two penalty saves in the final three minutes ensured Jaaskelainen would grab the headlines in a thrilling local derby victory on Sunday but even that marvellous display might not be enough to secure him a starting place in tomorrow's Carling Cup clash with Charlton Athletic.

Allardyce is keen to make sure understudy Ian Walker is given game time, but concedes that it will be difficult to interrupt the Finland international's sensational run of displays.

"I don't think I can praise him enough," said Allardyce, who ranks Jaaskelainen as the Premiership's form keeper.

"If I had to pay him the ultimate compliment, I'd call him the Peter Schmeichel of Bolton Wanderers because that's what he is worth to us.

"The saves he has made at crucial times over the season, and his consistency, are the reason we have taken 12 points and four wins.

"Other teams with keepers not as good as Jussi would have ended up losing or drawing those games."

Jaaskelainen penned a new deal to keep him at the Reebok until 2008 back in April amid reported interested from several top Premiership clubs.