Niemi backing for Lastuvka

Antti Niemi has praised stand-in Fulham goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka.

Niemi underwent an operation last week to remove a piece of cartilage in his knee and missed the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn.

Lastuvka did not enjoy a perfect Premiership debut and has admitted that he was at fault for Shabani Nonda's opener, but he will be relied upon until Niemi returns after Christmas.

And Niemi believes the Czech keeper has the talent to flourish over the next few weeks.

"Jan is very agile and the saves he makes in training come very natural to him," Niemi told the club's official website.

"He's got a great spring, he's a very sharp keeper and he's got a good attitude towards training.

"I had heard of him before he moved to Fulham. He's one of those promising young names that have been mentioned in different circles."

Lastuvka is looking forward to Saturday's trip to Liverpool and is determined to help Fulham pick up an away win.

"Liverpool will be tough. It will be my second appearance for Fulham, so I want to do well," Lastuvka said.

"But the most important thing is winning the three points and building on our current tally of 20 points.

"I'm determined to play well. Anfield is a massive stadium and it will be a big occasion but once the match starts it makes no difference to me as I am 100 percent focused on the game."