GORDON STRACHAN can directly compare the international form of rival goalkeepers Antti Niemi and Paul Jones on Saturday week.

In a bizarre turn of fate the two men competing for the Southampton goalkeeper's jersey will go head to head when Finland take on Wales in Helsinki in a Euro 2004 Group Nine qualifying match.

Niemi was due to complete his £2m transfer from Hearts to St Mary's today in time for a possible home debut against Chelsea tomorrow night.

The 30-year-old has won 41 caps for Finland and is best known for heroically keeping out Germany to ensure England qualified for the World Cup finals.

He was a big favourite with the Hearts fans and his arrival is sure to jeopardise Jones's status as Saints' Number One.

The Welshman has made the Southampton goalkeeping position his own during the last five seasons, notching up 199 first team appearances.

Many regard him as the best shot-stopper in the Premiership, although he has come in for some stick for the occasional howler.

He is also now 35 and Strachan may feel that the time has come to bed in a younger goalkeeper.

Jones has performed well, however, in the first two Premiership matches, particularly impressing against Middlesbrough with a string of excellent saves to deny Massimo Maccarone.

If Niemi does take Jones's Southampton place it could also threaten his status as first choice for Wales, with the likes of Mark Crossley and Darren Ward breathing down his neck.

A Jones blunder cost Wales victory against Croatia in a friendly last week, although he did also make a fabulous point-blank save during the game.

The arrival of Niemi is consistent with Strachan's stated policy of bringing in new personnel capable of pressurising his first team payers.

The Saints boss said: "He's in the price range, he's a good goalkeeper and he's got personality.

"What his signing does is give us a stronger goalkeeping unit at the club."

Chairman Rupert Lowe also declared himself delighted with the signing, saying: "He is the first choice for Finland and keeps Peter Enckelman and Jussi Jaaskelainen out of the national team.

"He speaks perfect English, organises the defence well and we hope he will make a major contribution."

Strachan is also desperate to bring in an attacking midfielder before the transfer deadline at the end of this week. He described his side as "toothless" in the final third of the pitch following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.