KIRKLAND UPBEAT DESPITE LAY-OFF
Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has refused to let his latest
injury problem affect his confidence, despite being ruled out for
around six weeks with a finger complaint.
Kirkland, whose career has been plagued by fitness worries, will
undergo surgery on a torn finger ligament after a training-ground
accident and could be out of action until April.
The former Liverpool stopper was forced to pull out of the England
squad last week with a niggling shoulder injury, allowing Ben
Foster to press his claims as Paul Robinson's number two, but this
setback is much more serious.
But, although the 25-year-old will be out for over a month in what
is fast becoming a relegation dogfight for the Latics, he has
defended his recent appearance record.
He told the club's official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "I'm
not going to get down about it, that's for sure.
"I'm viewing this as a minor setback and just one of those strange
injuries that happen from time to time.
"I have been ever present so far this season which will obviously
stop now, but I have had a good run and in myself I feel fitter now
than I have for several seasons."
Latics boss Paul Jewell, meanwhile, reiterated his support for the
keeper, insisting that he could be better than both Foster and
Robinson.
He said: "Chris has been a revelation since coming here, he has
been magnificent.
"He has a tremendous presence in the box and I stand by my comments
that he is potentially the best English goalkeeper in the
country.
"We all wish him a very speedy recovery and hope to have him back
soon."
Wigan physio Alan Tomlinson confirmed the details of Kirkland's
latest injury, insisting it was bad luck instead of a sign that the
player is injury prone.
"This is a completely new injury for Chris, it could have happened
to any goalkeeper. But he is taking it in good heart and I've no
doubt he'll be back as soon as he can.
"I don't like to put time scales in place because it can vary
depending upon how quickly the injury heals.
"That said, it is a pretty straightforward procedure and I would
envisage he will be playing within six weeks."