Jaaskelainen Expecting Tough Clash Against Villa

Last updated : 26 January 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has said he expects Aston Villa to do their upmost in the Carling Cup Semi Final Second Leg and he says that the Trotters must remain focused on what they have to do if they are to book their place in the Carling Cup Final.

The 28-year old Finnish international says that despite Wanderers storming into a 5-2 First Leg advantage he now expects David O'Leary's side to really push the Trotters in the second game of the semis when they come head to head at Villa Park on Tuesday evening and states that the tie is only at the half time stage despite many in the Bolton camp already dreaming of next's months final date at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Jaaskelainen said he is hoping to even out the scores and gain an element of revenge on Villa for the 2000 FA Cup Semi Final defeat at Wembley Stadium in which Bolton went out in the penalty shoot out after both Allan Johnston and Michael Johansen saw their spot kicks saved by the then Villa goalkeeper David James.

"The big word now is "if". If we do get to a final it would be a great feeling because that Semi-Final defeat at Wembley is still in the back of my mind and because of that it would be nice to get one back on them. But it will not be easy. Obviously we will go there with confidence but it will be difficult because Villa are very strong at home" Jaaskelainen explained

"It was a great result but as everyone knows it is only half-time. We have to go to Villa Park and make sure that we are focused on what we have to do" he added.