Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has sympathy for West Ham United's Robert Green over his England gaffe.

Kirkland, who narrowly missed out on a place in the World Cup squad, admits his heart goes out to all of the goalkeepers in South Africa, who are potentially one step away from ridicule.

He told the Wigan Evening Post: "The technology they use in footballs nowadays, I think, is to the disadvantage of goalkeepers.

"One mistake and you've had it - it's a goal and it's your fault. But the fans want to see goals, be entertained and that's what the authorities want to bring to them.

"It can be a real nightmare for goalkeepers, though."