Wigan Athletic have signed the Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic on loan until the end of the season, according to the Portuguese club's website.

The 26-year-old, who helped Serbia reach next year's World Cup finals in South Africa and has 29 caps, joined Sporting from Nantes in July 2007 but failed to make the first team and dropped to third-choice under the coach Paulo Bento.

Stojkovic joined the Spanish side Getafe on loan in the second half of last season but failed to secure a permanent move. Although Bento was replaced by Carlos Carvalhal in November, the change did not result in more appearances for the Serb.

He will provide back up for Chris Kirkland at Wigan, who are 15th in the Premier League and also have the goalkeepers Mike Pollitt and Richard Kingson on their books.