Kirkland 'gutted' over injury woe

The injury-prone custodian will not play again this season after suffering a broken wrist and his club have already confirmed that the player will not be fit for Portugal.

Last season saw Kirkland's campaign ended prematurely by a knee injury and he was ruled out earlier this term with a broken finger.

''I'm gutted it has happened again,'' revealed Kirkland. ''It's hard to take, but I am getting over it.

''I will be back and I am already looking forward to pre-season training in July.

''To be honest, at the time of the injury I always knew it was going to be touch and go.''

Kirkland continued to explain his disappointment over missing out on possible international honours but vowed to return to the England setup next season.

''As for missing out on England, there is no guarantee I would have been selected anyway, so that is the way I am looking at it,'' Kirkland told the club's official website.

''But it is still disappointing not to be in contention.

''It would been a great experience to be involved, but it is not to be and I have got to set my sights on the next World Cup.''