Peltola links up with HJK

Finnish UEFA Champions League representatives HJK Helsinki have signed defender Mike Peltola.

Glentoran awaits
The 2002 Finnish Veikkausliiga champions, who face Northern Ireland's Glentoran FC in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League next week, have signed the full-back on a free transfer. The 29-year-old had spent the last two seasons with Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt but has yet to see any competitive action this season.

Defensive experience
Before moving to Norway, Peltola played for VPS Vaasa making 143 Veikkausliiga appearances and scoring four goals. HJK sports director Tuomo Saarnio was happy to get the left-footed defender's signature for the rest of the season. "He is an experienced defender and can be used both as a full back and in the centre," he said. "We have several important matches ahead of us and sorely needed some new blood in our defence."