Wigan Athletic FC

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• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

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Bruce hails Kirkland display

30 Nov 2008 - 11:13:02

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Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland won high praise from boss Steve Bruce for his performance in the narrow 2-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion.

Kirkland made a number of top-class saves to thwart the Baggies, before the Latics snatched all three points thanks to goals from Henri Camara and Emmerson Boyce.

The 27-year-old England international has been plagued by back problems throughout his career, but Bruce is hopeful that those days are now behind his player.

He said: "We have to thank our goalkeeper - he was fantastic - and in my eyes is one of the best goalkeepers in the country, if not the best.

"With his fragile back we've decided to put the reins on him and keep him fresh. That's why we've changed his training regime.

"He was one of the old-fashioned types who just wanted balls blasted at him from six yards. He was a workaholic. He would be on the pitch at 9am and still there at 2pm. That work left him a bit stiff.

"Now he works a lot in the gym on strength and conditioning work. If he goes with England he trains twice a day but he can't do that.

"We have had this conversation with England. They understand that until he gets himself into the right condition, which we hope is around the corner."