In-form Kirkland has conceded just three goals in Latics' last five Premier League games.
But Italian Capello decided to leave him out of his 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Kirkland says he will use the international break to help rest a niggling back problem that forced him to miss Wigan's game against Chelsea earlier this season.

And he has vowed to break into the international set-up later in the campaign.
The 27-year-old told the Observer: "I didn't think I'd be in, I can understand his reason.

"I've got a niggling back injury and it's a good chance to rest it.
"I've missed a bit of football and, while playing for England is still an ambition, for the time being I'm with Wigan and getting fit. I think it'll do me good in the long term."

Wigan striker Emile Heskey is included by Capello, who was at the JJB last Saturday to watch their 1-0 defeat by Middlesbrough.
Kirkland has been a regular figure in the England set-up since 2003 and won his sole cap two years ago.

He had been in Capello's plans in the summer, but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.
With Portsmouth's David James, 38, nearing the end of his career and Robert Green suffering a howler for West Ham last weekend, many thought Kirkland would be offered a chance.

But Capello has opted for James, Green and West Brom's Scott Carson as his three keepers.
"It's definitely an aim of mine to get back in the squad," added Kirkland.

Meanwhile, Kirkland has deflected the praise onto his team-mates after it was revealed Wigan have kept a higher percentage of clean sheets under Steve Bruce's reign – 42 per cent – than Liverpool during the
same time.

"Our back four are fantastic but we defend from the front – I think Hesk epitomises what we do," he added.