Kirkland hopeful over Zaki-Mido partnership

"Hopefully they (Mido and Zaki) can strike up a good partnership and start scoring the goals," the England international told Sky Sports News.

Zaki and Mido teamed up for the first time as Wigan held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw last week, with the latter marking his debut by a crucial equalizer from the spot.

However, the Zak was unavailable in the recent goalless draw at Aston Villa with a minor injury.

Consequently, manager Steve Bruce fielded Mido as a lone striker upfront, but Kirkland praised the work rate of the on-loan Middlesbrough hitman.

"He (Mido) did extremely well on Saturday. It was an extremely tough game. He didn't get much of the ball, but he worked hard," he said.

Wigan will host Fulham at JJB on Saturday as they keep up pursuing a UEFA Cup spot next season.