Latics swoop for Stojkovic

07 January 2010 14:22

Wigan have completed the loan signing of Serbia international Vladimir Stojkovic after the goalkeeper received his work permit.

The 26-year-old has joined the Latics from Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season and will go straight into the squad to face Aston Villa on Saturday.

"Everyone knows about the quality of the English Premier League," said Stojkovic. "So to get a chance like this is a fantastic opportunity for me."

He added: "It is going to be very tough because I know the quality of the goalkeepers already here but every professional trains to play first-team football.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of getting in the team and fighting for a place."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is pleased to have brought in more back-up for first-choice keeper Chris Kirkland with Richard Kingson currently at the African Nations Cup with Ghana.

"Vladimir is a highly experienced keeper who is the number-one choice in his home country," he said.

"That shows you the calibre of professional we are signing, as a player but also in terms of his character and determination to succeed.

"He will add tremendous competition for places in the goalkeeping department - something which we need everywhere on the pitch."

Source: PA