March 28 2001

Crystal Palace

Eagles striker Mikael Forssell said that new signing Aki Riihilahti will be a great signing for the club. Forssell and Riihilahti are team mates in the Finnish international team. Riihilahti scored the opening goal in the World Cup qualifier against England on Saturday.

Palace boss Alan Smith signed Aki Riihilahti for £200,000 from Norwegian side Valerenga a few weeks ago.

Striker Mikael Forssell said that the money was well spent and that Riihilahti could turn out to be a great signing.

Forssell, however, warned his Finnish team mate that it may take some time to adapt to English football.

"I played with Aki in Finland when I was 15 years-old and I can tell you that he is a very good player," said Forssell.

"He's really hard working, tackles well and runs for fun - he can pass the ball as well. I think he'll be a great signing for Palace once he settles into things here."

Meanwhile, The Eagles reserves against AFC Bournemouth due to played on Wednesday evening has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Also, the Eagles Under-19 clash with West Ham was postponed for the same reason.