Chris Kirkland tells Chelsea to concentrate on Bolton

By Simon Mullock, sundaymirror.co.uk 11/05/2008

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Chris Kirkland, the man who stands between Manchester United and the title, has told Chelsea to forget about events at the JJB Stadium and concentrate on beating Bolton.

England keeper Kirkland is insulted by suggestions that his Wigan side will be anything less than 100 per cent committed now that their own Premier League status is secure.

Latics boss Steve Bruce captained United to the first of their nine championships under Sir Alex Ferguson - and title No.10 will be captured if the Old Trafford club equal or better Chelsea's result against Bolton.

Kirkland said: "It is difficult for any team to get a result against United - but Chelsea can be certain that we will be going at it 100 per cent.

"What Chelsea have to do is make sure that they beat Bolton before they worry about anything else - and that isn't exactly certain.

"It has been proved many times this season that the top teams can lose to the teams near the bottom.

"Bolton beat United earlier in the season and we've taken points off Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"Now we want to take points off the last top-four team we've got to play.

"This is a tough league and whether United or Chelsea win the title you can be sure it will be because they have earned it the hard way, after 38 games.

"Any team that prepares the right way has a chance.

"If you are facing a team full of world class players you have to prepare even more.

"The one thing Chelsea can be sure of is that Steve Bruce will have us well prepared.

"If Manchester United weren't playing us, I am sure the gaffer would want them to win the league because of his past connections.

"Steve is an Old Trafford legend, but his past has not been an issue in training this week - and it will be the same when we kick off.

"I can guarantee to everyone that the manager wants us to go out and beat United."

Kirkland believes that United have given Wigan an even bigger incentive to win this afternoon - by monitoring the Latics' South American duo Wilson Palacios and Antonio Valencia.

But the former Liverpool keeper insists that Wigan's main motivation will be professional pride.

Kirkland said: "The talk about Antonio and Wilson has been going on for weeks and if anything that will spur them on even more against United.

"But the bottom line is that we just want to do well for Wigan Athletic, because they pay our wages.

"I've heard it said that I will want to play well just because of my Liverpool past and having the chance to deny Manchester United the title.

"But that isn't the case. None of us is interested in Manchester United. I find it offensive that our professionalism has been questioned.

"Our only concern is to do well for Wigan and to do the Premier League proud by giving total commitment.

"United are one of the best sides in Europe, but if they do get the result they need it will be because they have earned it."