Niemi gets the nod for Finland

Goalkeeper Antti Niemi said he had "no problems" after being told he would return to the Finland starting XI after a three-year absence tonight.

Emergency cover
The Fulham FC custodian made his last competititve international appearance in September 2004 and announced his retirement from international football in the spring of 2005. However, he agreed to return to Roy Hodgson's squad for Saturday's 0-0 draw against Belgium with first choice Jussi Jääskeläinen one booking away from suspension. With the Bolton Wanderers FC goalkeeper now carrying a minor injury, the 35-year-old Niemi will now play in tonight's friendly game against Spain, which marks the centenary of the Football Association of Finland.

Welcome return
"The original plan was that Jussi would start and Antti would play the second half," said Hodgson. "Jussi asked me if he could skip the match because he has a small problem with his back – not an injury but a small problem. I had no reason not to oblige him and Antti will play from the start on Wednesday." Niemi added: "It was really easy to join the squad. I knew most of the players from years back so there was really no problem." Finland are third in Group A, level on points with second-placed Portugal but having played a game more. They play Azerbaijan at home and Portugal away in their final qualifiers on 17 and 21 November.