Player Profile: Peter Enckelman

Full Name: Peter Enckelman
Date of Birth: 10th March 1977, Turku
Nationality: Finnish
Position: Goalkeeper
Squad Number: 13
Internationals: Capped at Full level for Finland
Signed: November 2003 (loan) January 2004 (permanent)
Previous Clubs: TPS Turku (Finland) & Aston Villa

Peter Enckelman arrived in England in 1999 as cover for the then Aston Villa goalkeeper David James, having began his career with hometown Finnish club of TPS Turku in the mid 1990's.

When James eventually left Villa Park for West Ham United Enckelman was given a chance only to again be replaced by the legendary Peter Schmiechel following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon. Following Schmiechel's own departure to Manchester City Graham Taylor's re-arrival saw Enckelman installed as his number one.

After slipping behind anther new arrival Thomas Sorensen after David O'Leary's arrival as manager at Villa, the agile 'keeper would be signed by former Rovers boss Graeme Souness.

His time at Villa Park will probably be best remembered, maybe somewhat unfairly for his bizarre howler against local rivals Birmingham City, letting a throw in slip under his foot and into the goal!

Initially signed by Rovers on an emergency loan basis to cover for injuries in November 2003, in January 2004 the deal became permanent and he added competition and back up to Brad Friedel.

Enckelman made his International debut for Finland in 2001 against Belgium and remains a permanent fixture in their squads even if he doesn't feature too often.

With the form of Friedel and the arrival of Welsh International Jason Brown in the summer of 2006 one would feel that Enckelman will feature little, if at all for Rovers in the future.

Blackburn Rovers appearances and goals up to the start of the 2006-2007 Season
League: 2
FA Cup: 0
League Cup: 1
Other (European etc.): 0
TOTAL: 3

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