Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen has admitted that he knew he would be taking a risk by going away on International duty with Finland’s Under-21s with his close friend but rival for the number one spot, Dave Richards, breathing down his neck.

Richards when called upon has let no-one down. He was the penalty hero against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup and Mansfield in the Leasing.Com Trophy and also saved one in the 2-0 win at Grimsby with the score goalless. His last appearance saw us win 4-2 at Carlisle, so Jaaskelainen, 21, has understandably been thankful to the manager for keeping faith with him on his return.

The former Bolton Wanderers youngster told crewealex.net: “It was a good three points against Swindon and that is what we have to keep doing. When I have played or watched their game there is not one game I thought we shouldn’t have actually won.

“It is good to go away on International duty. It is a bit different but it is good to play against some of the top young players in Europe. I knew that if I went away with Finland that I could go out of the team but it is great that the manager has kept faith with me when I’ve come back.

“I know I have to play well to keep the number one spot and Dave (Richards) is a good friend of mine and he has done well in my absence.

“I am learning a lot. I can improve in all aspects of my goalkeeping but my confidence is building all the time. The more games I play, the better I feel. The nerves are going and I am understanding what it takes to play first-team football.

Will added: “The back four, whoever plays have been massive for me. They talk to me all the time and help me through the game.”