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KIRKY ON WORLD CUP, ENGLAND & BALLS!

Posted on: Fri 11 Jun 2010

Latics 'keeper gets behind former team-mate to lift World Cup

Chris Kirkland has backed England to go all the way in South Africa, confident the current squad are as strong as any other to have represented the country in the past, and ready to overcome the recent set-backs.

"I'm going for England to win it," said Kirkland.

I think it's the best chance we've had in a while and being patriotic I reckon we can do it.

"I think there'll be a few shocks, there always is. I can remember South Korea doing extremely well when they co-hosted back in 2002 and in football these days anyone can beat anyone and the only thing for sure is that it'll be interesting to watch."

With Captain Rio Ferdinand out of the squad through injury Kirkland's former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard has been handed the armband, and the Latics 'keeper believes he'll be the man to inspire the squad;

"Gerrard's a leader, he's got Liverpool out of tough circumstances time and again and hopefully now he can inspire the players, fans and country to get behind the team to give it a good shot."

Much has also been made of the official tournament ball. Adidas' 'Jabulani' ball has been criticised by several goalkeepers claiming the flight of the ball makes it extremely difficult to judge and improves strikers' chances of scoring.

Kirky agrees that advancements in technology are increasingly coming at the expense of goalkeepers, focused on bringing more entertainment to the spectators;

He said; "It can be a real nightmare for goalkeepers.

"The Nike ball we used in the Premier League last season was difficult, but by all accounts the Adidas one they're using looks to be moving all over the place, and with the power players put behind their shots nowadays it certainly gives the 'keepers a lot more to think about.

"One slight movement and the ball can be past you before you know what's happened, so it's not going to be nice for them.

"But I'm glad the players have spoken about it, particularly some of the out-field players to raise attention to the problem.

"The technology they use in footballs nowadays I think is to the disadvantage of goalkeepers. One mistake and you've had it, it's a goal and it's your fault, but the fans want to see goals, be entertained and that's what the authorities want to bring to them."