Masalin bolsters Finland ranks

Finland coach Markku Kanerva has called up HamKam Fotball goalkeeper Jon Masalin to replace Esbjerg fB's Lukas Hradecky, who pulled out of their squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship last week because of a knee injury.

'Good options'
"We had two good options for the third goalkeeper," coach Markuu Kanerva said. "Jon Masalin has recovered from a wrist injury and has already played a couple of cup matches. I hope we now have the final squad here and there will be no more injuries." The 23-year-old Masalin has featured once for the U21s, making his debut as a substitute in a friendly against Northern Ireland in August 2007. Masalin had spells at Aston Villa FC and SC Heerenveen without featuring in the first team for either club. A wrist injury kept Masalin out of action in early 2009 and he has only appeared in two cup games this season.

Concerns
Kanerva's preparations have been hampered by injuries, notably to his goalkeepers. Finland lost first-choice Tomi Maanoja soon after helping his side to their shoot-out victory against Austria in the play-offs, then Hradecky pulled out last Thursday with a meniscus problem. Midfielder Ilari Äijälä was also a late addition to the squad following Mika Ojala's withdrawal. Finland kick off their Group B campaign against England in the tournament's opening match next Monday.