Source: FOOTYMAD
Al-Habsi to come in for sorry Kirkland
Chris Kirkland has apologised to supporters for his dismal performance on Saturday. Whilst he was not the only one to put in a shocking display, the Latics goalkeeper is likely to make way for loanee, Al-Habsi. Kirkland conceeded four goals against Blackpool at the weekend, and was directly at fault for at least two of these. Speaking to the Wigan Evening Post, Kirkland said: “We’ve disappointed a lot of people and we deserve all the criticism we’re going to get. To a man we let the fans down, and they are entitled to say what they want after that. “Yes, we had a few changes in defence from last season, but that’s football. Teams change every year and people move on. It was more the attitude of everyone that was to blame. And I mean every one of us – starting with myself. We’ve all failed. “Obviously you don’t mean to make mistakes, but we know we’ve let everyone down and I just want to say sorry to the fans. It’s up to us to put a smile back on their faces – and hopefully we can do that next week against Chelsea.” Ali Al-Habsi is currently on a season long loan from neighbours Bolton Wanderers, and the 28 year old has a growing reputation in the game. He is likely to come in for Kirkland who added: “I know I’ve let the side down but, to a man, we weren’t good enough. “I’m not going to hide – I’ve made two bad mistakes but that’s part and parcel of a goalkeeper’s life. You have to respond and I am determined to do that. “That’s why you’re involved in the game – you have good days and bad days, and that’s why we love it and hate it. It’s hard to pick yourself up, and it will be very hard. “But we had a few dark days last season that we managed to pick ourselves up from, so fingers crossed we can do it again.” Martinez is now likely to drop the goalkeeper whom he has made captain after just one game. CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD
