READING FC keeper Anssi Jaakkola is targetting more first-team football after making his Championship debut this week.
Jaakkola stepped into the breach at Bolton on Tuesday night when regular keeper Vito Mannone withdrew for 'personal reasons.'
And despite a shaky start at the Macron Stadium, 30-year-old Jaakola produced a stoppage time stunner to deny ex-Royals striker Adam Le Fondre from snatching all three points for Phil Parkinson’s Trotters in the 2-2 draw.
It was the first time the Finland keeper had stood between the sticks in league football since joining Reading from Ajax Cape Town last summer.
“It’s difficult to concede two goals and then you don’t make any saves for a long time after that,” reflected Jaakkola.
“I just needed to stay focused and keep concentrating and luckily I managed to help the team in the end with two saves, so I’m happy with that.
“In the end it was one point won – we didn’t start the game as well as we should have, and to go 2-0 down after 25 minutes is tough, especially away.
“But the lads showed great character to come back in the second half. So it’s a good point.”
Thank you for your stoppage time saves! @anssi_jaakkola
— 🇵🇹. (@Simply_Ilori) November 22, 2017
Jaakkola joined Royals in July 2016 but has been restricted to cup appearances since moving from South Africa.
But the giant Fin insisted he is hungry for more first-team opportunities.
“Nobody wants to sit on the bench forever,” he stressed.
“I just need to work hard every day and use every opportunity I can.”
What a chance that is! Free header for Darren Pratley from the corner but it's straight at Anssi Jaakkola. So close! (90) #BWFC 2-2 #ReadingFC 🐘 🏰
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) November 21, 2017
.@A1F1E9 so close to coming back to haunt his old club! Anssi Jaakkola just about manages to deny the forward from point-blank range as he connects first time with @Antonee_Jedi's cross. (90) #BWFC 2-2 #ReadingFC 🐘 🏰
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) November 21, 2017
Tuesday's draw followed last weekend's 2-0 home defeat to leaders Wolves which leaves Royals 19th in the Championship table.
Stam's men can now look forward to successive home games against Sheffield Wednesday this Saturday (3pm) and Barnsley next Tuesday (8pm).
Stam's injury woes worsened this week when midfielder John Swift was forced off against Bolton with a recurrence of a hamstring problem.
However, Joey van den Berg comes back into contention this Saturday after serving a one-match ban.
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