Kirkland recovering well from injury and focused on Portsmouth

After picking up a nasty injury against Man City recently Chris Kirkland spoke to us about the progress he's making, and how good a feeling it would be to get another fantastic result this weekend against Portsmouth.

"My hands getting better, but it's still a little bit sore," said Kirkland.

EVANS ABOVE:  Richard Evans attempts to "Straghten" Kirkie's little finger.

"When I was at Liverpool I had a pin put in to keep things in place. Against Man City the ball hit my fingers and bent the pin into my joint which meant I couldn't bend my finger.

"For the Burnley game on Saturday it was numbed slightly so I was able to play.

"I can't do the same training routine I'm used to for the time being, so I'm working on other areas, and hopefully by the end of the week I can resume my normal schedule.

"It was a great performance against Burnley, especially after going behind so early on. The lads responded really well, moved the ball round superbly and we thoroughly deserved the win.

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SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS KIRKLAND ON LATICS PLAYER NOW.

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"The gaffer wants us passing it out more from the back and keeping hold of the ball which seems to be working. We just need to make sure we do things at the right time and not get caught out."

Kirkland was speaking at the promotion of Wigan Athletic's Club Shop, which continues to grow during it's first full season, and was happy to give something back to the fans.

He said; "It's been a good day, we all like doing things for the fans and it's great to be able to give something back for all their support.

"It's a great symbol for the club and hopefully we can continue to grow as a team, attract more fans and make Wigan Athletic more popular."

Kirkland comes up against another of the Barclays Premier League's top 'keepers David James this weekend in what's sure to be a tough game for Latics.

"Fratton Park is a tough place to go to and the atmosphere there is probably on of the best in the league when the fans get going.

"But if we carry on doing what we've been doing then hopefully we can get another win which would be a great feeling.

"For David (James) to still be playing at 37 is a great achievement. He looks after his body, he's a tremendous athlete and from training alongside him I know how good he is.

"But the gaffer will have us working hard this week as always, and we'll go there looking to do our own thing to get the right result."