Owls agree deal for Premier League keeper

Last updated : 24 May 2012 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday have made an early move to strengthen their squad ahead of next seasons Championship campaign by signing goalkeeper Chris Kirkland on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old’s current contract with Premier League side Wigan Athletic comes to an end this summer and he will officially become a Wednesday player in July.

Kirkland first caught the eye at Coventry City where his impressive performances drew the attentions of Liverpool who paid £6 Million for him in 2001.

His opportunities at Anfield were fleeting and often curtailed by frustrating injuries. As a result he sought opportunities elsewhere, spending the 2005/06 season on loan at West Bromwich Albion and then securing a shorter deal with Wigan at the start of the following season. This move was turned into a permanent deal in January 2007 and Kirkland went on to make well over 100 appearances for the Latics. To date only 2 players have represented Wigan more times in the Premier League than the Leicester-born keeper.

Despite the fact that he is regarded in some quarters as injury prone Kirkland made over 30 league appearances in 3 successive seasons for Wigan and his lack of 1st team action in the past 2 seasons has been as a result of the fine form of Oman international Ali Al Habsi rather than any fitness problems.

Kirkland, who has 1 full England cap and has been selected for the national squad on numerous occasions is said to have undergone an extensive 5-hour medical with the Owls on Wednesday.