Jaaskelainen setting sights on Europe

West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen sees no reason why Sam Allardyce cannot lead the club to a top-six finish and European football.

The Hammers are sitting comfortably in eighth place following their promotion back to the Premier League, and the Finnish ‘keeper thinks they can afford to set their sights even higher.

“At Bolton I remember we began the season on fire, but then couldn’t win for seven games, but still finished in the top six,” he told reporters.

The former Finland international made some eye-catching saves in his side’s shock 3-1 win over Chelsea last weekend, and believes his fine form this season is the product of consistency.

“That’s my job and that’s what I do well,” he explained. “It’s all about consistency. Everyone makes mistakes, but as long as you’re consistent, you will do well.”

The veteran shot-stopper has completed more than a decade in England’s top-flight, and insisted he is not ready to think about hanging up his boots just yet.

“I’m 37, but I look after myself 24/7 and people have told me to try to stay in the game as long as I can because once you are out, you can’t get back in,” he said.