Kirkland commits to Wigan

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has signed a new four-year contract which will keep him at the club until June 2012.

Kirkland has kept 20 clean sheets in 64 appearances for the Latics and only conceded five goals at the JJB Stadium since the turn of the year.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “I could not be more pleased to have Chris commit his future to Wigan Athletic.

“Everyone knows what a professional Chris is. I knew Chris was a good goalkeeper before I joined but until I had worked with him I didn’t realize just how good he actually is.

“When I joined the club we were shipping on average over two goals a game, and no matter how good your strikers are, it is virtually impossible to score three goals in this league to win every game.

“So it is no coincidence that Chris’ run of clean sheets and the good form of the team defensively meant that we picked up 31 points in about the last 30 games to secure our status with a game to go.

“People ask me about transfer targets and who is coming in, but someone of Kirky’s calibre signing this new deal is a massive boost for the club and is an excellent foundation to continue building for next season.”