'Fantastic' Niskanen wins plaudits after Exeter goal

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell hailed Ilmari Niskanen following his goal and assist in the 3-0 win over Barnsley.

The Finnish winger, 28, scored Exeter's opener before setting up Reece Cole for his side's third as the Grecians moved out of the League One relegation places.

It was the first time Niskanen had scored for Exeter since the end of April.

"I'm really pleased for him because he is a fantastic team-mate," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon. "He works every day to be the best player he can possibly be.

"He knows that his end product, his finishing, if he gets that better then he can be a top, top player and he is a top player for us with what he gives us."

Niskanen blasted in an excellent volley to give the Grecians the lead shortly before half-time at St James Park.

It paved the way for Exeter's second league win three games - with both those home victories coming with a clean sheet.

Caldwell said Niskanen's goal was reward for the way he conducts himself at the League One side.

"He was 45 minutes walking into this stadium, speaking to every supporter, signing every supporter's calendars and pictures because he loves this football club," he added.

"What he gives to this football club on and off the pitch deserves goals, but football can be cruel at times and yet he'll be the first to admit he has to score more.

"If he can score left-footed volleys outside the width of the goal, then I'm a happy man and long may that continue.

"But his assist for the third goal as well was brilliant, not just to kick it anywhere, to know that we could cut back into that zone that we identified could be dangerous

"I can't speak highly enough of Ilmari, it's thoroughly deserved and long may it continue."