ANTTI NIEMI displaced Paul Jones in the Saints' goal on Saturday - but had words of comfort for his Welsh rival.

The Finn had not played for Saints' first team since limping off in the FA Cup final but is now fully recovered from his knee injury and back as Gordon Strachan's preferred choice - despite Jones' good start to the season.

The Welshman had only conceded four goals in seven league games, and just two in his last six.

But he was still left out after letting in Malcolm Christie's winner for Middlesbrough at his near post.

Niemi said: "Paul is really disappointed. He has been one of the best 'keepers in the Premiership in the first five or six games of the season.

"We had a chat about it and we get along fine. I know that he has nothing against me and I definitely don't have anything against him.

"We are working as a team and it is up to the manager to pick the goalkeeper.

"We have been friends and nothing is going to change.

"It was my first Premiership game since April, so it's been a long summer and I was pleased with my game.

"I'm happy to be in the side, but it's difficult to be too happy because we lost."

Niemi will now be rooting for Jones in Wales's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier next Saturday after his own Finland team failed to qualify from the same group.

He said: "With the squad they have, Wales have every chance of going through (to the finals). I would like to see Jonah make it to Euro 2004. It would be great and I would be very happy for him."