Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
David Byrom

Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola outlines international ambitions for Finland

Anssi Jaakkola says his goal is to play for Finland again after signing for Bristol Rovers.

The goalkeeper has made three appearances for the Eagle Owls, the last of which came in last year's 5-0 friendly win over Malta, when he came on as a second half substitute.

However, he is still regularly involved in Finland's squads, competing with FC Copenhagen's Jesse Joronen and Bayer Leverkusen's Lukas Hradecky for a place in the starting XI.

After primarily playing back-up keeper at Reading for the last three years, the 32-year-old is set to feature more for Rovers, and is keen to get back into the national side.

He said: "I still want to be involved in the Finnish national team.

"That's one of my targets, to get games there and to be involved in the set-up.

"Obviously the national team is doing really well at the moment, so there's a chance for us to qualify for the Euros.

"So that's a bit target for us and I'd like to be a part of that."

Domestically, whilst Jaakkola says Rovers manager Graham Coughlan has not set the side any targets just yet, the goalkeeper feels they could possibly be dark horses in League One this season.

He said: "He didn't really set any targets, he said the team is ready to compete and is strong.

"They finished the season strongly last season and they're looking to go from there in the same form.

"Maybe to be the dark horse in the race for promotion."

Jaakkola has had a varied career, which has taken in spells in the likes of Italy, Czech Republic, South Africa and Scotland, and he says there are differences in football culture around the world.

He said: "Football in the UK is a little more physical than it is in some other countries.

"For example, in Italy, it was very tactical, so there are some small differences."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.