Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce says goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is "up there" with Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.

Bruce said: "For me, Chris is the best goalkeeper in England. If he didn't have the problem he has with his back, he'd be England's No 1. That's no disrespect to David James.

"I played alongside one of the world's best in Peter Schmeichel and Chris is right up there. It's just a shame that, physically, getting on planes and buses, he struggles. We've had to restrict him and he has a personal conditioner who works to keep him on the pitch. I'm English and, if he can keep injury-free, I'd love to see him in goal for England because he deserves to be."