NIEMI EXTENDS FULHAM DEAL

Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has signed a new two-year contract.

The Finland international, who joined Fulham from Southampton in January 2006, had one season remaining on his current deal.

But Cottagers boss Lawrie Sanchez was anxious to tie Niemi down on an extended contract.

"It is great news that Antti has committed a further year of his future with Fulham today, and I know that this will also be of great delight to the fans that hold him in such high regard," Sanchez told the club's website, www.fulhamfc.com.

Niemi, 33, follows Zat Knight in signing a new deal at Fulham after the defender agreed a two-year contract extension last Friday.

Niemi's value to Fulham was emphasised last season when he fell badly on his head in the New Year's Day draw with Watford and suffered neck damage.

Niemi played just once in the next two months and without him Fulham managed just one Barclays Premier League victory, at home to Newcastle, in six attempts.

Sanchez added: "Antti is an integral part of this Fulham team and his loss last season because of the neck injury was, I understand, a testing time for the team.

"I'm glad that he is in good health and is committed to us for the next two seasons."

Taken From =football365=