Kirkland ties up Wigan switch
Wigan Athletic have signed Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland on a six-month loan deal.
Wigan Athletic have signed Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland on a six-month loan deal.
The England hopeful trained with The Latics on Tuesday as the finishing touches were put to his switch to The JJB Stadium.
Kirkland has joined up with Paul Jewell's men on an initial six-month loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer.
The imposing keeper has been a long-standing target for Jewell, who was keen to bring in competition for Mike Pollitt and John Filan.
He spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but injury restricted Kirkland to just 10 Premiership appearances.
Kirkland was signed by Liverpool from Coventry City for £6 million five years ago, but has made just 45 appearances for the FA Cup winners.
The arrival of Jose Reina last summer signalled the likely end for Kirkland's Anfield career, with Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson also in the Liverpool ranks.
A move to ambitious Wigan has now been finalised and Kirkland will hope the deal resurrects his chances of breaking into the England squad.
"I'm thrilled to be joining an ambitious club like Wigan," Kirkland told Liverpool's official website.
"What they achieved here last season was absolutely brilliant and surprised everybody.
"The setup at Wigan is excellent. They already have two excellent keepers in John Filan and Mike Pollitt and competition for places will be fierce.
"I am just looking forward to playing. The Premiership is where every player wants to be and I'm looking forward to fighting for my place in the team."
