Antti Niemi never did make that appearance for Scotland, but the Oulu-born goalkeeper will always be fondly remembered by the Southampton supporters.

Niemi joined the Saints from Scottish outfit Hearts in 2002, and made 115 appearances in all competitions for the English club before moving to Fulham in 2006.

There was a time when Manchester United and Arsenal were said to be interested in the goalkeeper, but Niemi ultimately left Southampton in January 2006.

The stopper later went on to join Portsmouth, but never actually turned out for the club, and he was released in March 2010 having made almost £450,000 for eight months of work.

[ad_pod ]

Niemi is regarded by many Southampton fans as one of the best goalkeepers to ever represent the club, and many of the supporters have taken to social media to praise the former Finland international.

Niemi actually turned 46 on Thursday, and a post on Southampton's official Twitter page led to the team's fans, who have also recently been discussing the future of defender Matt Targett, hailing the stopper.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below: