The Latics travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, which propelled them to 12th in the Barclays Premier League, six points clear of the bottom three.

Steve Bruce's men also managed to keep a clean sheet in each of those four matches, with his goalie Kirkland superb in last week's crucial 1-0 win against Bolton Wanderers and the goalless draw against Arsenal.

Kirkland's form has not gone unnoticed by England manager Fabio Capello.

biggest secret

The former Liverpool and Coventry City goalkeeper has been named in the England squad to face France next Wednesday, and Melchiot believes Kirkland has now proved he is international class.

Melchiot said: "In the last two games, the great saves he made for us have made a huge difference, and that's why he's in the England squad. If you play for your country, you have to make a difference. I think at the moment he's doing that for us and I'm very happy for that.

"The most important thing is that when you have a good goalie, it makes you feel comfortable knowing that you don't have to worry about what you've got behind you. I think that's the biggest secret for any defender, and he's definitely doing that for me - I feel really at ease because I know he is behind me."