United talking to Niemi sealed deal

CARLJOHAN Eriksson has revealed former Rangers and Hearts goalkeeper Antti Niemi helped to seal his Dundee United deal.

Eriksson, 26, who has penned a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Tangerines after departing Swedish top-flight side Mjallby AIF, lifted the lid on the due diligence done by United chiefs – including contacting Niemi, the goalkeeping coach of the Finland national team.

“There were other interested parties, but that led nowhere as they did not seem as serious as Dundee United,” Eriksson revealed.

“Here, there was a real demand for my services.

“Among other things, they have spoken to Antti Niemi and really done their background job properly.

“It (Scottish Premiership) is a good league, but this is not the Premier League or Bundesliga.

“In a league like that, I could easily have been a third or fourth choice, but at this stage of my career it is important you have a real chance to play.

“At Dundee United, it feels like that chance exists.

“At the same time, the environment is stimulating and challenging and I know there are a lot of things that I have to learn.”

The 6ft 3in stopper made his international debut for Finland last September, keeping a clean-sheet in a 0-0 draw against Wales.

Eriksson is ready for the battle with United glove rival Benjamin Siegrist, provided the Swiss goalkeeper remains at Tannadice.

“Siegrist is a really good goalkeeper but not a completely impossible challenge,” added Eriksson.

“At the same time, he is on an expiring contract and it is not entirely unlikely that there is an interest in his services elsewhere.”

Eriksson will link up with international team-mate Ilmari Niskanen at Tannadice, and the big stopper added: “I have checked out quite a few things with him and he has been very positive about the club.”

However, not everything has gone to plan for Eriksson.

“My suitcase never arrived,” he added.

“All my football items were in there, so it would be desirable if I got it back as soon as possible!”

Carljohan Eriksson said the Tannadice club contacting his national goalkeeping coach had helped to sway his decision towards signing for United.