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England can count on Kirkland - Bruce
Wigan Athletic, 14:04, November 30, 2008 ,
Steve Bruce expects Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to become an England regular once he is fully match fit.
Kirkland has endured a list of injury problems since bursting onto the scene but reaffirmed his credentials with a string of match-winning saves in Latics' 2-1 victory over West Brom on Saturday.
Bruce revealed Wigan have trimmed Kirkland's training regime to keep him in top shape and is optimistic that will be recognised at international level.
Bruce said: "We have to thank our goalkeeper - he was fantastic - and in my eyes is one of the best goalkeepers in the country if not the best.
"With his fragile back we have decided to put the reins on him and keep him fresh. That's why we have changed his training regime.
"He was one of the old-fashioned types who just wanted balls blasted at him from six yards. He was a workaholic. He would be on the pitch at 9am and still there at 2pm. That work left him a bit stiff.
"Now he works a lot in the gym on strength and conditioning work. If he goes with England he trains twice a day but he can't do that.
"We have had this conversation with England. They understand that until he gets himself into the right condition, which we hope is around the corner."