Chris Kirkland admits Wigan's dramatic victory over Burnley on Saturday was a 'massive win' for the club.
Latics keeper hails the importance of Clarets victory
Chris Kirkland admits Wigan's dramatic victory over Burnley on Saturday was a 'massive win' for the club.
The Latics left it late against fellow strugglers at the DW Stadium, before Hugo Rodallega snatched a stoppage-time winner.
Three vital points helped to lift Roberto Martinez's men seven clear of the Premier League drop zone, considerably aiding their survival bid.
"It was a late one (the goal), but there's the old saying, better late than never," said Kirkland with a smile.
"It was a tough game, and we understood the crowd was anxious given the position we're in.
"Obviously, there is no better time to score than in injury-time, which meant we just had to see out a couple of minutes.
"It's a massive win, and very much needed because the situation we are in, people don't realise how much pressure is on you, and we all felt that.
"We knew it was a big game, one we had to win, and that added to the pressure, but the lads kept going right until the end."
Safety
Having opened up a healthy cushion on those below, Wigan will now fancy their chances of preserving their top-flight status for at least another year.
Kirkland, though, admits there can be no room for complacency as the 2009/10 campaign draws towards a close.
"It goes to show what a win can do for you," added the England international keeper.
"But it's not over, not by a long shot. There are still seven games left, and it's still going to be very tight so we have to make sure we stay above the relegation zone.
"No-one knows how many points will be needed for safety. Until the end of the season you never really know.
"We just have to make sure we're above the bottom three come the last game."
