Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has declared Chris Kirkland as the best goalkeeper in England, but understands that Fabio Capello cannot take a risk on him due to his persistent injury problems.

Speaking to the media ahead of his return to the DW Stadium on Saturday, Bruce said there was 'no question' that Kirkland, who he managed during his spell at Wigan, was the best goalkeeper in the country.

Bruce also commented that had it not been for the 28-year-old's recurring injury woes, he would be a dead cert for a World Cup spot, and would have earned many more England caps.

"He is a fantastic goalkeeper who has unfortunately got a problem with his back. When he's fit and when he's playing for me he is the best goalkeeper in England, without question," Bruce is quoted a saying in The Daily Telegraph.

"He was a great goalkeeper who has been unfortunate with injury. If it wasn't for that he'd have a stackful of caps right now and be a certainty for the World Cup."

However, the former Manchester United defender refuses to blame Fabio Capello for not considering the Wigan sho-stopper for a World Cup place, asserting that picking Kirkland would be too much of a risk considering his injury record.

"Obviously the risk with Chris is the problem. If you take him as part of your squad and he breaks down, putting my managerial head on you can see why he might not be taking the risk.

"He's a fantastic goalkeeper; he just has a horrible bad back."

Kirkland recently achieved the unenviable feat of conceding nine goals in Wigan's debacle at White Hart Lane, but Bruce pointed out that Tottenham might have scored even more had it not been for the goalkeeper's first-half display.

"I've just read the scouting report from Tottenham and apparently in the first 20 minutes he kept them in the game," the Black Cats boss added.