JUSSI Jaaskelainen has no intention of being a punchbag for the Premiership's big-hitters.

The Reebok keeper has battled back in double-quick time from a career-threatening injury and is determined to be in the starting line-up at Leicester. He is equally positive about Wanderers' prospects. "We have every chance," he insists when asked if they will survive in the top flight. If you work hard you always have a chance and that is what we will do."

Jaaskelainen has never been a shirker when hard work has been called for. Any unfortunate soul who has has been put through his paces by coach Fred Barber will breathlessly argue that no one grafts harder than the keepers.

But the Mighty Finn has pushed himself to the limits in recent weeks not content to just prove he has fully recovered from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered in January but to show Sam Allardyce that he will be ready for the big kick off.

It is still touch and go but player and manager returned from the training camp in Valencia more confident than ever that he will beat the clock.

"Spain was very important," Jaaskelainen confirmed after making his comeback in the friendly at Halifax, six months to the day after undergoing surgery on his damaged knee.

"In six days I had 16 sessions, which is about three weeks' work, and before that I did the 'pro week' with Fred and that was three sessions a day.

"I still need to work hard but that's what you have to do."

The critics reckon the highly-rated young keeper will be in for a rough ride with Wanderers destined to be the "whipping boys" in the top flight. He accepts they will have their work cut out but refuses to harbour any negative thoughts.

"Every game is going to be like a cup final for us but we will be positive and fight for every game. I can't see any reason why we should not survive."