Latics boss wants keeper to get World Cup spot

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez believes Chris Kirkland should be England's first choice goalkeeper for next summer's World Cup.

The Latics manager believes the former Liverpool and Coventry shot stopper underlined his true credentials as a world class keeper by keeping a clean sheet against Sunderland, less than a week after he had conceded nine at Tottenham.

Martinez has now called on England coach Fabio Capello to give Kirkland a chance at international level, with the number one jersey up for grabs following David James' series of injuries.

"No player in the Premier League has been tested the way he has during the past week," Martinez said.

"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."