Jussi: Home Form Is Key

Bolton's emphatic 4-1 win over relegation candidates Middlesbrough continued the Trotters recent run of home form which now reads four win out of the last five games.

The Wanderers are aiming to build on those recent performances and propel themselves into the upper reaches of the Premier League, and long-serving shot stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen feels that positive results at the Reebok are vital.

"We know it's not going to be easy for teams to come here because we're playing extremely well at home. We have four victories from the last five games here. Except for the Fulham game, where we made a few mistakes, we have been good and teams will find it a hard place to visit," stated Jussi.

"Hopefully now we can compete until the end of the season using our good form at the Reebok."

The three points put daylight between them and the teams embroiled in a relegation scrap and it's a victory that Jaaskelainen is hoping enables the team to finish higher up the table.

He said: "Because of what happened last year, perhaps a relegation battle was in the back of everyone's minds. Hopefully this good win will turn into a good run of form and we will leave what happened last season behind us.

"I think if we get in the top nine or ten positions, we can build on that for next season. We can leave the supporters feeling happy.

"It's only the little things that we keep doing wrong. If you make mistakes in the Premier League it can be very costly. We need to keep more clean sheets. We need to take our chances from set-pieces too to score goals as its one of our strengths."

Bolton's longest serving player, who joined the club in 1998, is confident that team spirit is a major factor in Bolton's recent revival.

He added: "I've always liked the spirit since the day I came to the club. It's been great and it carries on year after year.

"This group is the most honest group of players we have had over the years and they deserve it when we have success. If we keep playing well hopefully we can get on a good run."

Jaaskelainen is also hoping that the English players get international recognition for the form they are producing.

"Davo has always been very good with his all round game but lacking a few goals. But this season he has got 12 goals and I think he should have a spot in the full squad," claimed the Finn.

"Also Gary Cahill has a good chance. He is not as experienced as Davo but I think if he keeps playing at the level he is then he deserves to start friendly matches. I think it's good for the team that they are thereabouts."