Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi has backed manager Lawrie Sanchez's reluctance to gamble in the summer transfer market.

The Finn told fulhamfc.com: "Lawrie has been open in that he wanted to sign players that he knew and that's a sensible thing to do. You know what you're going to get from players you've worked with before and there were areas in the team that needed strengthening and we've got numbers now. Lawrie has signed good footballers, players like Davis, and I think people will be surprised next season. The Manager can only give you guidance, it's up to the players on the pitch - it's about good players making the right decisions.

"When you play for a club in the Premiership you have to expect competition for places and every position must have options so nobody is too comfortable. I think we've got a lot of choices now and it's shown in our training sessions and pre-season games. You can't fault us for our effort. If you don't perform then there is someone who will take your place and that is how it should be.