Martinez believes Wigan’s Kirkland is England’s No1

by Pat McGatt. Published Tue 01 Dec 2009 11:59

Latics boss Roberto Martinez believes his keeper Chris Kirkland is the best in England.

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 home defeat of Sunderland, he praised Kirkland’s mental toughness in dealing with the aftermath of his side’s 9-1 drubbing at the hands of Tottenham.

Martinez believes he showed the kind of determination and courage that will be needed at the World Cup next summer.

Speaking to the Wigan Evening Post he said: "No player in the Premier League has been tested the way he has during the past week.

"Chris has been playing to a high standard on a regular basis, and he has proved he can cope at the highest level. I am so pleased for Chris after what happened last week.

“He is a better keeper than he was a week ago, and he reacted as a man.

"If England need a keeper for the World Cup, Chris showed this week that he has all the ingredients.

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