Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has admitted that he wants to secure a new deal at the Premier League side despite losing his first-team spot.
The former Liverpool player, who has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, returned to the DW Stadium after just one match at loan club Doncaster Rovers due to a back problem.
Despite his ongoing issues, the 30-year-old is setting his sights on snatching the number one spot from Wigan's Ali Al Habsi.
"First of all, I'd like to regain my place at Wigan and sign a new deal," The Mirror quotes Kirkland as saying.
"I understand that teams are going to be suspicious, but I hope somebody will take a chance like Paul Jewell did when I came here.
"People are going to laugh, but I am more happy with my body now than I ever have been. I know I'm nearly there."
The goalkeeper's contract with the Premier League side runs out next summer.