South Africa World Cup news: Martinez hails Kirkland as one of England's best
22/03/2010
Chris Kirkland should be in Fabio Capello's mind for selection to the South Africa World Cup squad if he continues his current performances.
The Wigan Athletic goalkeeper has kept seven clean sheets so far this season, but has been overlooked time and again by England boss Capello, who has favoured the likes of Joe Hart, David James and Robert Green.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said Capello is wrong to overlook the former Liverpool and Coventry player, hailing him as one of the best stoppers in the Premier League.
"If you look at the standard of his performances - week in, week out - it is up there with the best in England," the Spaniard said.
Kirkland has won just one cap for the Three Lions, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 2006 friendly against Greece, but Martinez went on to claim the keeper should not rule out a trip to the South Africa World Cup.
"Maybe one day he will get that call again," he said.
Posted by Oliver Jakes