Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been rewarded for his superb season with a new four-year deal at the JJB Stadium.

Kirkland enjoyed a fine campaign for the Latics as he helped them secure their Premier League survival.

The England international initially joined Wigan on loan from Liverpool in 2006 before making the move permanent and he has established himself as a key player for the Latics.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce was delighted to secure Kirkland's future.

"I could not be more pleased to have Chris commit his future to Wigan Athletic," Bruce told the club's official website.

"Everyone knows what a professional Chris is. I knew Chris was a good goalkeeper before I joined but until I had worked with him I didn't realize just how good he actually is.

Praise

"When I joined the club we were shipping on average over two goals a game, and no matter how good your strikers are, it is virtually impossible to score three goals in this league to win every game.

"So it is no coincidence that Chris' run of clean sheets and the good form of the team defensively meant that we picked up 31 points in about the last 30 games to secure our status with a game to go.

"People ask me about transfer targets and who is coming in, but someone of Kirky's calibre signing this new deal is a massive boost for the club and is an excellent foundation to continue building for next season."