Source: Team_Talk
Latics planning to keep Kirkland
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez insists Chris Kirkland still has a "vital" role to play at the club after playing down reports he could be sold.[LNB] The former Liverpool keeper lost his place as first choice at the DW Stadium to on-loan Ali Al Habsi after an indifferent start to the current season.[LNB]With Al Habsi unable to play against his parent club, Kirkland returned for last weekend's Premier League clash against Bolton and performed solidly in a 1-1 draw.[LNB]There have been reports claiming 29-year-old Kirkland, a former Coventry prodigy who has one England cap, is considering his future but Martinez does not want him to leave.[LNB]Martinez said: "I have got a great relationship with Chris and we have spoken about his role at the football club.[LNB]"I told him he has been a number one for many seasons and has earned the respect of the fans and everyone.[LNB]"Some of the things that have been in the press I think have been taken out of context.[LNB]"We need Chris Kirkland at this football club, there is no other issue at all.[LNB]"If he was to be happy and not playing, there would be something really wrong.[LNB]"He is a great competitor, has great standards and his role at the football club is vital - playing or not playing."[LNB]Martinez must now decide whether to recall Al Habsi or give Kirkland another run-out in tonight's Carling Cup fourth-round tie against Swansea at the DW Stadium.[LNB]The Spaniard is planning to rotate his squad for the visit of his former club as he looks ahead to this weekend's trip to Fulham.[LNB]Midfielder James McCarthy is missing having been ruled out for up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury sustained in a challenge from Bolton's Fabrice Muamba.[LNB]Defender Emmerson Boyce is also out after pulling a hamstring but Steven Gohouri is making good progress after a calf problem.[LNB]A lot of the focus may well be on Martinez tonight as he faces the club he quit in acrimonious circumstances last year.[LNB]Martinez led the Swans to promotion to the Championship but then quit to take over at Wigan.[LNB]Swansea have sold out their entire ticket allocation of 5,000 for the tie - despite a 460-mile round trip - and Martinez is certain to receive a hostile reception.[LNB]"You cannot control that," Martinez said.[LNB]"I am sure there is going to be a lot of emotions but that is a good thing in football, that there are no indifferent feelings."
