A FAMILY of Wanderers fans reckon their pint-sized pet could be just the inspiration the struggling football team needs to get back to winning ways.

The Rigby family, from Beeston Close, Sharples, have named their new rare Lowchn toy dog Jussi, after the Whites' Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. They hope his great performances in dog shows will be reflected by the Wanderers' number one.

Jussi is one of just a handful of the 12 inch high dogs in the country and was already a champion in Finland when Debra Rigby bought and imported him last week.

Within days of touching British soil the 18-month old dog won first prize in a show at Nottingham and has qualified for Crufts.

Jussi, who was formerly named Rummy by his Finnish breeders, is settling in well in his new home, keeping a safe distance from the family's three cats but making firm friends with their pet rat, Ringo.

"He has got the best temperament and is doing unbelievably well," said Debra.

"I speak to him half in Finnish and half in English." Debra, who was a judge at Crufts earlier this year, says the little dog's big moment will come at the top show next year.

But although she owns him, Debra will not be her in the ring sharing the spotlight. She is giving that honour to his breeder Juha Putkonen, who will travel from his home in Finland for the occasion. In the meantime, the Rigbys are hoping some of Jussi's success will rub off on the team. The whole Rigby family are football mad and so naming their new pet after the Wanderers goalkeeper seemed fitting. "Jussi is a winner and we'll try anything at the moment," said Debra.