CAIRO: Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland hopes to see Egyptian duo Amr Zaki and Mido forming a strong partnership in the Latics frontline.

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.