Martinez backs Kirkland calls

Wigan chief wants keeper called-up

Last updated: 9th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Martinez backs Kirkland calls

Kirkland: Potential England keeper

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Wigan chief Roberto Martinez insists that Chris Kirkland will be part of England's World Cup squad.

Kirkland, who has one England cap, has always been highly regarded and many feel the 28-year-old to be the country's best keeper.

But injuries have meant he has not been able to commit to international football, and a long-term back problem means he does not train full-time.

Despite his injuries, Martinez believes that Kirkland can still mount a serious bid for the number one jersey.

One of the best

"I keep looking at the Premier League goalkeepers and I don't see anyone better," said Martinez.

"Probably that label he has got as injury-prone has not helped him, but football should make that decision.

"If Chris can play the next 15 games, then he should be in the England squad because his performances show you that he is assured, he has great confidence and he always makes the right decisions.

"The only battle he has got is to lose the label that everyone has given him of being injury-prone. After working with him I can guarantee 100 per cent that he will be in the England squad."

Fabio Capello is insistent that he has no issues with his goalkeepers, although the three places in the squad look up for grabs with Kirkland facing competition from the likes of David James, Paul Robinson, Robert Green, Joe Hart and Ben Foster.