ANTTI NIEMI doesn't see any reason why Saints should tonight change the system that's brought them so much success.

Although Saints are taking a trip into the unknown in Romania, Niemi believes playing in a different environment should not pose a problem.

He said: "The preparation will be the same for any game. You play the best every week in the Premiership and Steaua Bucharest is a very good team as we found in the first leg.

"But I don't think we will change for this game. We have been pretty successful during the past year and I can't see any reason why we should change things too much.

"I don't think playing Romania will make too much difference to us. There are fans and players at every game and it is not such a huge thing.

"We have a lot of foreigners in the Premiership and the English game is quite European now anyway - there are not very many long balls.

Niemi, right, added: "They (Steaua) have quick feet and they are good technically. They are a tough team and we all know about their history.

"They have always produced good quality players, it is a country where football is very big."

Niemi admits that Saints progressing in the UEFA Cup will help ease the pain of Finland's exit from Euro 2004.

Niemi, who has previously tasted European action with Helsinki and Rangers, said: "Personally, it would be nice to do well in Europe after missing out with Finland as we felt that we had a right good chance to go through.

"Keeping a clean sheet is always the target. We know we can't lose too many goals and hopefully we can score a few as well. Our defence has been solid.

"Being in Europe is a big thing for our club and the profile of the club. It has been a long time for Southampton and we have done well to get here."

Manager Gordon Strachan drafted Niemi back into the first-team in place of Jones for the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle at St James' Park, prompting the Welshman - who had only conceded four Premiership goals in seven matches - to threaten to leave during the January transfer window.

Niemi said: "I don't think it changes anything. You just do your best and it is up to the manager. It is such a competitive league and you want to stay for years.

"But I don't have any pictures of keeping my place for years because you have to prove yourself every week."

Niemi is confident Saints can progress to the second round, despite only drawing 1-1 at St Mary's.

He said: "Of course it was disappointing to lose a goal in the first leg, you always want a clean sheet. But it has been a long time since Southampton were involved in European football.

"I don't think there are any favourites, even though they have the away goal. The tie is still pretty even. There is not much between the teams, but we have every chance to go through.

We have to be patient, it only takes two seconds to score a goal and if it comes in the 91st minute then that is fine."