Palace clash battle royal for Niemi

ANTTI NIEMI says today’s crunch Premiership clash at Crystal Palace is the most important game of his Southampton career — and bigger than playing in the FA Cup final.

Harry Redknapp’s side are fourth from bottom of the table but are only above Palace on goal difference and have a difficult final game of the season against Manchester United to come next week. Niemi said: “it’s going to be a huge game because whoever wins this will make it hugely difficult for the losers to stay up, so we have to make sure we are the side with the three points.

“I have played in some big matches at this club like the FA Cup final and the UEFA Cup but I would say that this is bigger than either of them.

Redknapp is backing his side to beat Palace as long as they cut out their defensive mistakes. “We have got good players and have looked good going forward. The problem has been at the back.

“The lads showed a lot of character and a great attitude to come back against Norwich. We are scoring goals but we just have to stop conceding silly goals.

Villareal keeper Jose Reina could be heading for Liverpool in the summer, according to his agent. Reina was reported this week to be heading for Anfield for a figure of between £6 million and £8 million, but the player’s representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, claimed negotiations will have to wait.

“No deal has been made, and at the moment, Reina is concentrating on Villarreal and working hard for the club.

“What will happen at the end of the season I do not know, it is down to Villarreal.

“We have talked and there appear to be possibilities,” he added.