Source: SKY_Sports
Kirkland playing through pain
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Chris Kirkland has admitted he is still struggling with the dislocated finger he suffered against Manchester City.[LNB] The Wigan goalkeeper picked up the problem during a collision with Emmanuel Adebayor and was in obvious anguish as he received treatment.[LNB]He played through the pain barrier in the 3-1 victory over Burnley and looks set to keep his place for Saturday's clash with Portsmouth.[LNB]The injury is getting better but Kirkland concedes it has been impossible to take a normal part in training.[LNB]He said: "My hand is getting better but it is still a little sore. I had a pin put in to keep things in place.[LNB]"Then against Manchester City the ball hit my fingers and bent the pin into the joint. It meant I could not bend my finger.[LNB]"At Burnley it was numbed slightly, so I was able to play. I cannot do the same training routine at the moment so I am working on other areas."[LNB]Kirkland's opposite number at Fratton Park will be David James and he is fully aware of the veteran shot-stopper's abilities after training with him on England duty.[LNB]"To be still playing at 39 is a great achievement," Kirkland told Wigan's official website.[LNB]"He looks after himself and is a tremendous athlete. From training alongside him, I know how good David is."[LNB]
