Kirkland aiming to make a splash
Chris Kirkland has thrown himself in at the deep end to ensure he makes a splash under new manager Roberto Martinez.
The big goalkeeper has to take special measures to ensure he keeps his long-standing back problem in check.
Under Steve Bruce, his workload would vary on a daily basis depending on how he was feeling every morning.
And after being a virtual ever-present last term, Kirkland is clearly reaping the benefits of his personal programme.
Martinez, too, fully understands the situation, and is also determined to get as much game-time out of one of England's best shot-stoppers as possible.
Anxious not to be seen as a shirker, Kirkland admits he has been exploring the full facilities of Wigan's training camp to compensate.
Speaking from Austria, he said: "The gaffer is great about that, he understands the situation, and it needs to be that way because it will help me be available for selection.
"The physios here have been looking after me, and I'll just take it day by day as I have done over the past few years.
"It's common knowledge I've had my problems with my back.
"But over the last couple of years, I've played nearly every game – which is testament to the medical staff who have looked after me.
"I have been doing three sessions a day, the same as everyone else.
"But if the others are doing two sessions outside then I'll do one in the gym or one in the pool.
"I'll swim for around half-an-hour, which is probably harder than the training outside but obviously without the pounding to the back.
"Yes it's boring, but it's good for the overall fitness – and it really helps to strengthen my back and my shoulders, which I need to do.
"The pool area is really lovely here. When you look out of the window it looks like you're swimming up the mountain, and I feel a lot
better after it."
Martinez and his backroom staff have introduced a whole new approach to training, with far more emphasis on ball work without cutting back on any fitness work.
New goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara has also brought in some fresh ideas, and this has gone down well with Kirkland, Mike Pollitt and Richard Kingson.
"It's different training to what we have been used to," Kirkland added.
"It's a lot more technical, not as many repetitions, which is probably a good thing for me.
"Inaki's a real character, you can't help but warm to him, and it's been really enjoyable working with him.
"Overall there is a relaxed feeling in the camp, but the whole process is geared towards building up for that first game of the season against Aston Villa.
"Nobody is guaranteed a place in the team, and we have to prove during
training and these warm-up matches that we deserve the nod."
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Weather for Wigan
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
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Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
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