Mike Pollitt is ready to step in for Wigan Athletic against Stoke City this weekend.

The 37-year-old is standing by for a rare start at the Britannia Stadium with a question mark hanging over Chris Kirkland, who was forced off midway through the first half on Saturday with a back strain.

"Chris's injuries are well-documented, so you always prepare yourself for the worst and make sure you do a proper warm-up just in case you get the nod," he explained to the Wigan Observer.

"I'm an experienced player, I work hard in training and that proved important on Saturday.

"It's always difficult for a keeper to come on as a substitute, and to do it after 20 minutes means you've been sitting down for that period of time and have to get yourself warmed up and ready quickly.

"I managed to make a decent save early doors, and I was enjoying myself thinking it was a great chance to get a clean sheet behind me. But all of a sudden you find yourself 3-1 down - and overall it was a disappointing day."