IF Jussi Jaaskelainen can avoid the red mist, he could earn himself the distinction of being a Premiership ever-present this season.

The Reebok ace has everything going for him: talent that makes him Wanderers' undisputed number one and one of the best keepers in the business; and, touch wood, terrific resilience and fitness levels.

But twice last season he had to sit and watch from the stands, counting the cost of sendings off that could have been avoided.

In mitigation, he was the last line of defence in each case -- handling outside his area under pressure from Alan Shearer in the incident that proved the turning point of the 4-0 home defeat by Newcastle, then taking down Derby's Lee Morris for the goal that sealed what, at that point, appeared to be a landmark win for John Gregory's Rams.

Given the same situation again, the Mighty Finn hopes he will act differently.

"You learn from your mistakes," he says. "The first sending off was a little bit of a mistake -- a 50-50 -- the second one, he went round me and over me.

"They were unfortunate but you just hope to learn from experiences like that."

As professional as they come and one of the most dedicated of trainers, Jaaskelainen works on every aspect of his game with goalkeeping coach Fred Barber. And, although determined not to dwell on the red cards, he admits it is something he has worked on.

"I have not worried about it too much but you always try to work on your weaknesses," he explains.

"I just want to keep up the overall standards I set for myself last season and, hopefully, improve. The more games you get, the more experience you get and the better you become."

At 27 and preparing for his sixth season with Wanderers, Jaaskelainen has improved beyond all recognition since Colin Todd bought him from the Finnish club VPS Vaasa for £350,000 in November 1997. Totally focused, he has a single-minded approach to his trade and showed tremendous character to come back in double quick time from the cruciate knee injury he sustained in January last year.

He put his faith in the Colorado-based surgeon, Richard Steadman, stuck rigidly to the all-important rehabilitation programme he was given and, although it was touch and go, declared himself fit just hours before last season's opening fixture at Leicester.

It is encouraging for Wanderers' fans to know he now feels better than ever, having had a full pre-season.

"It's great to be back," he says, looking forward to a season that could see his reputation soar to even greater heights.

"It's my first pre-season in two years and it's nice to be fit.

"I'm feeling good and very confident for the new season. We should do well."