Kirkland out for two months

Last updated : 14 February 2007 By Paul Farrington
Chris Kirkland during his last appearance against Arsenal
The 25 year old has been an ever present for the club so far this season, and although that record is set to stop, Kirkland is optimistic about his return.

He told the club's official website: "I have been ever-present so far this season, which will obviously stop now. I have had a good run and in myself I feel fitter now than I have for several seasons.

"I'm viewing this as a minor set-back and just one of those strange injuries that happen from time to time. I'm not going to get down about it, that's for sure."

While manager Paul Jewell was full of support for his goalkeeper. He added: "Chris has been a revelation since coming here, he has been magnificent. He has a tremendous presence in the box and I stand by my comments that he is potentially the best English goalkeeper in the country. We wish him all a very speedy recovery and hope to have him back soon."

Mike Pollitt is set to resume goalkeeping duties for the re-arranged fixture with Watford next week. Hopefully he won't have been too affected by his spell in Burnley.