West Brom: Chris Kirkland set for Baggies return

Aug 3 2011 by Chris Lepkowski

EX-West Brom keeper Chris Kirkland could be set for a return to the Hawthorns.

The Baggies have identified the 30-year-old as a potential replacement for exile Boaz Myhill, who is currently on loan at Blues.

Kirkland is likely to be granted a free transfer by Wigan, where he has slipped to third choice behind Ali Al Habsi and Mike Pollitt.

Talks have already taken place, although Albion are still looking at other potential targets.

The Leicester-born goalkeeper, who was then at Liverpool, spent the 2005-06 season at the Hawthorns but was restricted to just 10 League appearances due to injury and the form of Tomasz Kuszczak.

Kirkland has struggled with injuries throughout his career and was dogged by back problems last season.

But Albion do offer excellent medical supervision.

The club’s sports science department has already helped kick-start the careers of Steven Reid and Jerome Thomas following their respective battles with injuries.

Roy Hodgson admitted that filling the No2 berth was imperative.

“By allowing Boaz Myhill to go we are definitely in the market for a back-up keeper, which is a very important job,” said the Albion manager.

“It’s a role that is very underestimated.

“Someone who has to sit on the bech on Saturday but has an important job for us during the week, with our preparation and training.