Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen desperate to earn new West Ham contract

Veteran West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen admitted that he is currently playing for his West Ham future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Despite his age – the Finn will be 39 by the end of the season – Jaaskelainen insists that he can continue excelling between the sticks into his forties.

“My contract is until the end of the season and that [a new contract] is what my aim is at the moment. But I want to go on as long as I can,” he told the West Ham’s official website.

“The goalkeeping coach and backroom staff are fantastic and look after me pretty well.

“They know my needs and give me one or two extra days off now and then.”

“Experience as a goalkeeper is important and the main aim is to be consistent.”

Jaaskelainen has started every game for the Hammers this season, but faces competition from new signingAdrian; a man heralded as a future West Ham number one by Allardyce following his arrival from Real Betis.

However the former Finland international is optimistic of beating off the challenge posed by the Spaniard, and gaining a new contract from the man he credits much of his longevity to.

“I like to work with Big Sam and like the way he has brought science to the game,” he continued.

“When I joined him at Bolton we were a Championship side, and he hired peopled to make sure we were looking after ourselves and preparing properly for the match on a Saturday.

Jaaskelainen made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League last season.