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WANDERERS are unlikely to make a move for ex-Sheffield Wednesday and England keeper Chris Kirkland.
The 34-year-old was invited to train with the Whites before they flew out to Austria and has an open invitation to return next week.
But Neil Lennon has played down rumours of a permanent deal for now, despite needing some senior back-up to Ben Amos.
“Chris came in and asked to train for a couple of days and the goalkeeping coach Lee (Turner) invited him in,” he told The Bolton News. “I’m not sure it’s going to go any further than that, really.
“It is a position I am looking to strengthen, and it’s something we need to look at quite soon, really.”
Kirkland was released at Wednesday in the summer and has been looking for a club in the North West where he can find regular football and has reportedly also been training at Bury.
He made only eight appearances last season, thanks largely to the form of Keiren Westwood at Hillsborough, but appeared to have put his injury problems behind him.
New signing Ben Amos isn’t concerned who comes in to challenge him for the number one spot, with his focus squarely on maintaining the form he showed on loan for the Whites last season.
The former Manchester United man has been impressed with young protégé Ross Fitzsimons, however, who has featured prominently in the pre-season games so far.
“Ross has come back looking really sharp – but I can’t speak for the manager and what he has got in mind,” he said. “To be honest, I’m being a bit selfish and thinking about myself.
“It’s a big year for me this year. In my mind it’s about how I play and integrate into the team.
“Pre-season is about fine tuning and getting all those little things right. What happens around you, comings or goings, it shouldn’t affect what you are doing.”
Amos believes the 10-day Austrian camp has been a success, with Wanderers looking in good shape as they head back to England today.
Lennon had made improving the group’s fitness and conditioning a high priority after witnessing a slump late last season.
And Amos believes the signs are good after a demanding 10 days in the mountains.
“We were back in fairly early, and it has been a couple of gruelling weeks, really,” he said. “Pre-season is never something you enjoy but the manager has pushed us all hard and provided we steer clear of any injuries I think it will all work out really well.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13417047.Wanderers_unlikely_to_add_ex_Liverpool_and_England_stopper_Chris_Kirkland_to_their_ranks/
The 34-year-old was invited to train with the Whites before they flew out to Austria and has an open invitation to return next week.
But Neil Lennon has played down rumours of a permanent deal for now, despite needing some senior back-up to Ben Amos.
“Chris came in and asked to train for a couple of days and the goalkeeping coach Lee (Turner) invited him in,” he told The Bolton News. “I’m not sure it’s going to go any further than that, really.
“It is a position I am looking to strengthen, and it’s something we need to look at quite soon, really.”
Kirkland was released at Wednesday in the summer and has been looking for a club in the North West where he can find regular football and has reportedly also been training at Bury.
He made only eight appearances last season, thanks largely to the form of Keiren Westwood at Hillsborough, but appeared to have put his injury problems behind him.
New signing Ben Amos isn’t concerned who comes in to challenge him for the number one spot, with his focus squarely on maintaining the form he showed on loan for the Whites last season.
The former Manchester United man has been impressed with young protégé Ross Fitzsimons, however, who has featured prominently in the pre-season games so far.
“Ross has come back looking really sharp – but I can’t speak for the manager and what he has got in mind,” he said. “To be honest, I’m being a bit selfish and thinking about myself.
“It’s a big year for me this year. In my mind it’s about how I play and integrate into the team.
“Pre-season is about fine tuning and getting all those little things right. What happens around you, comings or goings, it shouldn’t affect what you are doing.”
Amos believes the 10-day Austrian camp has been a success, with Wanderers looking in good shape as they head back to England today.
Lennon had made improving the group’s fitness and conditioning a high priority after witnessing a slump late last season.
And Amos believes the signs are good after a demanding 10 days in the mountains.
“We were back in fairly early, and it has been a couple of gruelling weeks, really,” he said. “Pre-season is never something you enjoy but the manager has pushed us all hard and provided we steer clear of any injuries I think it will all work out really well.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13417047.Wanderers_unlikely_to_add_ex_Liverpool_and_England_stopper_Chris_Kirkland_to_their_ranks/