Wigan keeper after new deal
Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has revealed he wants to sign a new contract at the DW Stadium and regain the number one jersey from Ali Al Habsi.
The 30-year-old recently returned to the club after injuring his back whilst on loan at Doncaster despite playing only one game for Championship side.
He has now set his sights on agreeing a contract extension before is current deal runs out in the summer and reclaiming his place as Roberto Martinez’s first choice keeper after being usurped by Al Habsi last season.
Kirkland said: “First of all, I’d like to regain my place at Wigan and sign a new deal. I understand that teams are going to be suspicious, but I hope somebody will take a chance like Paul Jewell did when I came here.
“That paid off for him and the club and whoever takes me will get a player that is ready to shine again. They will get a player who is hungry to put this behind me, too.
“If there was no end in sight, I would be devastated, but I know I am nearly there. People only need to see me training to see that.
Injuries have plagued the one time England international and his latest problem is yet another setback. However Kirkland has admitted he is feeling fitter than ever.
“Over the period I’ve been out of the team at Wigan, I have been fit. Last season, I only missed 14 training sessions. This season, I hadn’t missed a single one until I got injured with Doncaster.” The former Liverpool keeper said.
“People are going to laugh, but I am more happy with my body now than I ever have been. I know I’m nearly there.
“People will say, ‘how can he say that after everything that has happened?’, but I know I am getting there. I will get there.”
