The former Wigan goalkeeper’s father once placed a bet that he would play for England one day and after seeing his son called up to the national team, Kirkland senior and his family must have thought they’d hit the jackpot. £10,000 in winnings may have eased future heartbreak but not for the ex-Liverpool stopper who has seen his career blighted by injuries. Now plying his trade in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, the 31 year old still has time to prove himself but after years of bit part game time and constant setbacks, it remains to be seen if he will ever fully realise his initial potential.
