Axed Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland still has a future at the club, manager Roberto Martinez has insisted.
Kirkland conceded 10 goals in the Latics’ first two Premier League games of the season, and was replaced by on-loan Ali Al Habsi when he went down with injury.
Al Habsi has now started the last six games, but Martinez maintains that does not spell the end for Kirkland at the DW Stadium.
The Spaniard said: “What Chris has done for this football club has earned the respect of everyone and he’s a huge player for Wigan Athletic.
“It is important that every time he gets in goal he is fully fit and 100%, and he is not putting himself in a situation that doesn’t allow him to be at his best. It is important that he recovers completely and is ready to enjoy his football.
“He is one of the best professionals I have ever seen. The way he works on a daily basis has been hood.
“He has been able to have a breather, he has been able to get his body back to normal and now we have great competition in the goalkeeping position as well as everywhere else in the team.
“Chris is a very important player for this football club and that will never change. Playing or not playing, that’s just to make sure he is 100% from the injury he had.
“Chris Kirkland is too important for this football club on and off the pitch and we are just delighted to have him.”