Niemi back to avoid familiar fate
by Tom Kell, 26 March 2008
Antti Niemi is back in full training and raring to help Fulham avoid the relegation fate that he befell whilst at Southampton.
Niemi has been out of contention since picking up an Achilles injury earlier this month, with Fulham picking up four points during his absence that have given them hope of Premier League survival.
Kasey Keller has stepped into the void left by Niemi, but the Finn is now champing at the bit to play his part as the season reaches its final furlong.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks not being able to be involved in training or at the games, as it’s times like these that everyone is pulling together as a team,” he said.
“I have been receiving treatment which has kept me out of the squad but Kasey has done a great job, so I’m just going to focus on coming back and training hard and then see what the boss decides.
“Whatever happens, it’s really important that we stick together and treat every game like a cup final between now and the end of the season.
“I’ve been in a relegation battle before with Southampton which ended up in the worst possible way, and it’s not a feeling I want to repeat and not one that anyone wants to see at Fulham.”