The Wigan keeper made his 150th club appearance of his career in yesterday's 2-0 defeat to United at the JJB Stadium.

He pulled off three top- drawer saves but was unable to stop Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs getting on the scoresheet, which secured Sir Alex Ferguson's side the Premier League crown for a 10th time.

Kirkland was far from disappointed after the final whistle, despite the defeat, believing Latics had given United a tough ride.
And he applauded the efforts of the squad in turning around the club's fortunes, with 32 points collected since December to banish the threat of relegation.

Kirkland said: "It's been a massive turn around, the gaffer has done superbly to get us to where we are.
"When we got beat 4-1 at Bolton things were looking grim.
"Things had to change otherwise we were down, it's as simple as that.

"I'm delighted we're still in the Premier League. That was our aim over the course of the season and hopefully we can continue to get stronger.
"I thought we played well against United. We've been doing well for the last few weeks, so there was no way the gaffer would let us roll over.
"We were playing a top side, and you can see why they are champions.

"It was important we kept them out early on, because if they'd scored early we would have been in for a difficult afternoon.
"We kept them at bay for more than half-an-hour before they got a penalty, which was slightly dubious in my opinion.

"It's not in Emmerson Boyce's nature to hack someone down like that, but referees are under pressure in these big games and a penalty was awarded.

"But it's done now and it's no use going on too much about it.
"Thankfully it didn't cost us too much with us already safe from
relegation.

"United are worthy champions, and the table doesn't lie.
"They have scored more goals than Chelsea and you have to say whoever finishes on top after 38 games deserves it.

"United proved they are a fantastic side, they have players who can open you up – to have someone like Ryan Giggs coming off the bench to make an impact is great."

Kirkland rates this campaign as his best yet from a personal point of view, injuries for the first time in his career not getting in the way.

He missed just one league game through illness, playing more games than he ever managed in a season before.

The 27-year-old said: "This has to rate as my best season yet.
"I've played 38 games and helped the team get out of trouble.

"Last season I managed 26 games, which was my previous best – so there's been a big improvement on that front.
"Hopefully I can get stronger and play a lot more games for Wigan.

"I need to give a mention to our goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink, who has really helped me with my game.
"When Gary Walsh left to go to Derby during the season I was panicking a little bit, because he'd done a lot of good work with me.

"But I couldn't have wished for anyone better than Spinksy to come in.
"A word too for Mike Pollitt – sometimes there is a bit of awkwardness when the second goalkeeper isn't playing very often.
"But Polly has been great.
"Everyone knows the way he is.
"He likes a laugh and has helped me no end in training."