Will Chris Kirkland prove to be Capello’s surprise package?

Betfair blogger Phil Tomlinson wonders if Chris Kirkland could be the surprise package in Capello's squad.

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland appears to have got over his injury
problems and could be the surprise package in next summer's England
World Cup squad.

The former Coventry and Liverpool stopper has
had his career blighted by injuries, but his problems appear to have
cleared up and Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is sure Kirkland will be on
the plane to South Africa.

The 28-year-old has started eight of Wigan's nine top-flight games
this term and has managed two cleansheets in Wigan's steady start to
the campaign.

His long-standing back problems appear to be
consigned to history and the former England Under-21 star is ready to
step up his claims to make Capello's England squad.

Martinez has revealed how Kirkland's training regime has been
altered to match his huge frame and the keeper is now beginning to reap
the rewards.

"The way he was training a few years ago was
affecting his fitness – that's changed. He is a big boy with a big
frame and needs to find the right intensity in training without
overdoing it.

"Chris Kirkland has all the ingredients to be the No 1,"
said Martinez.

Kirkland
has only appeared once for England back in 2006 when he played 45
minutes in England's 4-0 win over Greece and he has never been involved
under Capello's reign.

However if his commanding displays and his consistent performances
continue he is sure to catch the eye of the England coach and he could
play his way into contention.

Capello is not blessed with one
outstanding candidate with David James, Robert Green, Ben Foster and
Paul Robinson all in the mix. The World Cup betting odds show James and Green as near 'certs' but
Foster is likley to be resigned to the subs' bench now Edwin van der
Sar is fit again at Manchester United and that could leave Kirkland
with a way into Capello's plans as long as the finger injury he picked
up on Sunday does not sideline him for too long.