ANTTI NIEMI kept a clean sheet for the reserves last night and admitted he is now "desperate" to get back into Saints' starting line-up.

The Finn has not played since being stretchered off in the FA Cup final, but is breathing down Paul Jones' neck ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle.

But Niemi, pictured, admits he's not banking on a first team recall and doesn't consider himself Gordon Strachan's first-choice shot-stopper.

Jones has been excellent so far this season, but would have been disappointed to concede at his near post in the 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough on Saturday - only the fourth goal he had let in in seven league matches.

Jo Tessem also made his case for a return to the first-team squad last night with two goals in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest Reserves.

Tessem will be one of the players vying for a place alongside James Beattie when Kevin Phillips starts his three-match ban for violent conduct next month.

Niemi said: "It was fun. Obviously I would like to play in the first team, but I am not at the moment. It's a similar situation to last year and I'm desperate to play. Paul is doing really well, he has kept quite a few clean sheets and the team has done well.

"There has not really been any need to change. Most of the players we have had have been the same 11 and they have done really well, but I'm sure I will get my chance at some point.

"Jonah and myself have done a pretty good job in the past year, we know we have to play well to keep our place.

"I don't think we have a number one choice at the club, we are in a similar situation and it is good for both of us."

Niemi revealed that he played in the FA Cup final despite not being fully fit.

He said: "I had an injection before the game and looking back it was probably not the right decision, but it was the Cup final and I would probably do the same again if I had the chance.

"I was actually doing really well in the summer, but then in Scotland I had a setback of maybe three or four weeks.

"I feel physically fitter than I have ever been, but you need to play games to be match fit and have people trying to score against you.

"I've been training for about a month, but it takes time to get sharp and it has only been in the last two weeks that I have been pleased with my training."