April 12 2006

Aki Riihilahti

Crystal Palace director of football Bob Dowie has indicated midfielder AKI RIIHILAHTI is likely to return to Finland at the end of the season, by Stuart Pink.

The 29-year-old, who has been at Selhurst Park for nearly six years, wants to delay contract negotiations until the end of the Eagles' current campaign when his deal expires.

But Bob Dowie revealed to the Croydon Guardian that this season is likely to be the Finn's last at Selhurst Park.

Bob said: "AKI intimated that he wants to go back to Finland at the end of the season.

"He may change his mind but at the moment we are waiting for him to confirm where he will be next year."

RIIHILAHTI has become a popular figure among Eagles fans since he joined the club in the summer of 2001 from Norwegian club Valerenga and became a prominent figure in Iain Dowie's side during the club's successful play-off season in 2004 and the subsequent season in the Premiership.

The Finn's contribution this season has been hampered by injury but he made a successful return to the squad in recent weeks and scored his second of the season against Ipswich Town last month.

Palace assistant manager Neil McDonald is well aware of RIIHILAHTI's importance to the club and feels whenever he's been called upon this season he is always up for the job.

McDonald said: "AKI is an important member of this football club.

"When he plays he does a decent job and complements other players when he does his thing. He'll be a vital player for us in the season run-in."

Meanwhile, Bob Dowie revealed that discussions with another soon to be out of contract midfielder Mikele Leigertwood are still "ongoing" after it was reported last week the former Wimbledon man turned down the club's new offer of a contract.

Bob Dowie also said Wayne Andrews will be offered a new deal when his contract expires in the summer.

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