A blunder by Jones cost Wales victory in the friendly against Croatia on Wednesday.

With the likes of Mark Crossley and Darren Ward waiting in the wings, Jones could find his place in the team to play Finland on 7 September under threat.

But Southall, who won a record 92 caps for Wales, insists Jones is the best man for the job.

"He deserves what he has got from his career, he has battled from the bottom divisions right to the top and has done most to prove his worth over the last few years.

"I think he has earned his place. People forget that he made a fantastic point blank save and also turned over a free-kick.

"That was the best save of the match."

Jones will now find his standing as his club's number one choice also is doubt.

Southampton have agreed a �2m fee for Hearts stopper Antti Niemi, and the deal could be finalised in time for the Finland international to make his debut against Liverpool on Saturday.

Southall added: "Obviously, being a keeper myself, I know what he's going through.

"But apart from this I can't remember the last time Paul made a mistake playing for Wales.

"That's the sign of a good goalkeeper, and Paul has certainly been that for Wales.

"Not to be able to remember his last mistake says something about him.

"That tells you about how well he has played for Wales. He made a mistake, sure, but it's better to have happened and we still haven't lost the game."