Blackburn keeper: I'm playing for my future in FA Cup final

9:50am Saturday 17th May 2008

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By Andy Neild »

BLACKBURN keeper Peter Enckelman is planning to put himself in the shop window by playing a starring role for Cardiff City in today's FA Cup final.

The flying Finn, on-loan at Ninian Park until the end of the season, looks set to become a free agent this summer, once his contract with Rovers expires next month.

And the 31-year-old knows he can boost his chances of securing a move elsewhere by giving the performance of his life at Wembley, where the Bluebirds will look to lift the Cup for only the second time in their history.

The former Aston Villa stopper said: "I'll start thinking about next season after the final.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I appreciate Cardiff believing in me and taking me on.

"I'm in the shop window (today) and that's a good thing. I'd like to think I can still do a job in the Premiership.

"Ideally I'd like to get my future sorted before I go away on holiday.

"But football is a funny business. You don't know what's around the corner.

"Until I sign on the dotted line anything can happen."

Enckelman admits he may have to pinch himself when he walks out at Wembley this afternoon, having gone from being the third choice keeper at Rovers to one of the heroes of Cardiff's magical FA Cup run.

The Finnish international, who joined the Bluebirds on loan in January, has been a fixture in the side ever since, playing a pivotal role in helping the Welshmen to their first final since 1927.

"Generally, I'm pleased with how it's gone," said Enckelman, who was understudy to David James in the 2000 FA Cup final, when Villa lost to Chelsea at the old Twin Towers.

"I didn't play immediately when I joined Cardiff City and I could see then the team was solid defensively. I have enjoyed playing and it has proved an outstanding move for me.

"Every player wants to play first-team football and Cardiff have given me that chance.

"To then play in an FA Cup final would be the icing on the cake."

Having spent the early part of his career playing second fiddle to James at Villa Park, now Enckelman is hoping to upstage him when he comes face-to-face with the Portsmouth number one again today.

He added: "I'm pleased David is playing in the final.

"I worked with him at Villa for a couple of years and he's a nice fella.

"He's been one of Portsmouth's best players and I would have been disappointed for him had he missed out through injury.

"David is one of the reasons they've done so well and he fully deserves to play in the FA Cup final.

"He's a special guy and I enjoyed working with him at Villa.

"And he's a great keeper who has taken a lot of undeserved criticism in his career.

"I'm happy for him that he's doing well at Portsmouth. He's worked hard for everything that's now coming his way."