HEARTS last night signed out of favour Rangers goalkeeper Antti Niemi for #350,000 and the Finnish internationalist is expected to make his debut in tomorrow's Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle.
With regular No.1 Gilles Rousset struggling to shake of a bout of influenza and Roddy McKenzie failing to convince manager Jim Jefferies that he is worthy of elevation, the Tynecastle side moved quickly to secure the signature of the champions' third-choice goalkeeper, who has only recently completed a loan spell with English first division club Charlton Athletic.
Rousset is out of contract in the summer and Niemi's arrival makes it almost certain that the amiable Frenchman will return home then.
Last night, Jefferies, who recently recruited Norwegian keeper Roger Vaaler, admitted he was delighted with his latest acquisition. ''He's a player I have had my eye on for some time,'' he said. ''We've been a little uncertain with the goalkeeping situation at the club just now because we don't know what Gilles is going to do at the end of the season or whether we'll extend Roger Vaaler's loan spell.''
Niemi, who joined Rangers in 1997 in a #700,000 deal from Danish club FC Copenhagen, will now be able to revive his international career after falling out of the Ibrox picture under Walter Smith's successor, Dick Advocaat. It was clear from the outset that the Dutchman was unconvinced of the Finn's ability under pressure and he promptly signed French World Cup squad member Lionel Charbonnier.
When Charbonnier damaged his cruciate ligament in the UEFA Cup tie against Bayer Leverkusen, Advocaat then turned to German goalkeeper Stefan Klos and Niemi grew increasingly frustrated by his lack of top-team activity.
However, Jefferies is confident Niemi will be a valuable addition. ''At the very least, it gives Roddy McKenzie quality competition. Niemi is a fine keeper and is very highly regarded by everyone. ''
Slovakian captain Robert Tomaschek is also expected to complete the formalities of his #400,000 move to Edinburgh from Slovan Bratislava this morning.
qHigh expectations for derby - Page 2
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