ANTTI Niemi is hoping Saints' Scandinavian coolness will prevail against Pompey.

The calm Finnish international keeper knows the importance of keeping your head when the atmosphere is as red hot as it will be at St Mary's.

With Saints having a strong Scandinavian contingent in their squad, he is hoping their characteristic coolness will prove vital on the day.

Apart from Niemi, Saints are also expected to line-up with Swedish pair Mikael Nilsson and Anders Svensson in midfield and skipper Claus Lundekvam in central defence.

And the goalkeeper confessed: "I think Scandinavian people are more laid back.

"I noticed when I first moved to the UK, to Scotland, people are very, very competitive. It's a different mentality to anywhere else.

"I enjoy the atmosphere of any big game and the derbies are good.

"Even in the warm-up, you feel it. Normally, when you come out for your warm-up, it's more or less an empty stadium.

"But, for derby games, the atmosphere is starting already.

"It can spill on to the pitch but I'm from Finland and I can never understand totally the feeling between the clubs."

Niemi still has fond memories of getting to the FA Cup final - even though he was stretchered off at the Millennium Stadium - and believes the players owe the St Mary's faithful another derby victory after what the fans have been through this season.

He added: "The fans have been brilliant all season, because they would have a good case to moan.

"But they've been pretty good - hopefully, the atmosphere will help the players.

"It's a massive game and the players want to win it for the fans, because they've been suffering a lot in the last few months.

"I enjoy playing every game in this league, and most of he games are massive, but obviously the derby games are massive - it's just the feeling.

"The FA Cup as well is special.

"I remember two years ago we played Wolves at home. They were in the first division at the time but the atmosphere was fantastic from both sets of fans and I don't expect anything else from this one."

There will, of course, be added spice with Harry Redknapp coming up against his former club for the first time after joining Saints.

"There's going to be a lot of media attention but, for the players, it should not matter too much," said Niemi.

"Obviously there are issues with the manager, as he was the boss there for a long time.

"It should be interesting but it's only a game of football, even though we do realise it means a lot to the fans.

"Hopefully, we'll end up the winners."

Asked for a prediction, Niemi added: "I'll say now I can't see too many goals in the game but you just never know - it could be anything."