Antti Mikko Niemi began his Veikkausliiga career in Finland with HJK in 1991. After five seasons at HJK, he moved to Denmark's FC København and from there to Scottish giants Rangers in 1997.
He never became first choice at Rangers, however, and the low point of his career there came on November 21, 1998 when he conceded five goals to Celtic in an Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. After that, he was generally a reserve for Rangers, and also had a loan spell at Charlton.
In 1999, Niemi moved to Hearts, where he became known as one of the most respected goalkeepers in the SPL.
After three excellent seasons in Edinburgh, Niemi moved to Southampton in 2002, and soon established himself as one of the better goalkeepers in England.
On March 15, 2003 Niemi went up for a late corner against Fulham, at Loftus Road. The ball came to him at the edge of the box and he proceeded to crash a shot against the bar, allowing Michael Svensson to head the ball into an open goal for a Southampton equaliser. The match finished 2-2.
He played for Southampton in the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal which was lost 1-0. He pulled up in agony after 64 minutes clutching his calf after taking a goal-kick and was stretchered off, to be replaced by Paul Jones. After Southampton were relegated in 2005 and failed to be promoted the following season, Niemi decided to return to the Premiership with Fulham, for whom he signed in January 2006. He is their first choice keeper.
Niemi is known as an excellent shot-stopper with great reflexes. Having played for middle-to-bottom drawer teams throughout his career, he has gained something of a reputation for carrying his team through against relentless pressure from superior opponents.
Widely considered Finland's best ever goalkeeper, Niemi was first choice for the Finnish national team for almost a decade, before announcing his decision to retire from international football in 2005. He was capped 66 times by his country.
