Kirkland makes Sheffield switch

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland signed for newly-promoted Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer from Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic on Wednesday. The 31-year-old has barely played for Wigan in the past two seasons as Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has taken over as first choice. "This is a fantastic move for me and I am delighted to be here," said Kirkland, who signed a two year contract. "There have been stories about injuries, but I have been fully fit for the last two seasons at Wigan and really frustrated at being a number two. "I'm chomping at the bit to start playing again and to join a club like Sheffield Wednesday at this time is a great move, although there is great competition for places, which is great." Kirkland earned rave reviews when he began his career with Coventry and was bought for £6million in 2001 by Liverpool, but a series of injuries limited him to just 25 appearances in five years and he considered retiring. However, he eventually joined Wigan in 2006 and despite more injuries still managed over 100 appearances for them until Al Habsi appeared and displaced him.