Jail my attacker for YEARS

STAGGERED ... Kirkland after the assault

CHRIS KIRKLAND last night told The Sun: “The thug who attacked me must be jailed for years.”

The Sheffield Wednesday keeper fears a player could be “killed” unless there is a severe penalty for the Leeds yob who floored him on Friday.

The Owls star said: “It has to be years in jail, not months.

“People must be punished by the courts for this behaviour — and the football authorities must take firm action too.”

The former England keeper, 31, was felled by a two-handed blow to his head in his goalmouth after Leeds had equalised in the 1-1 draw at Hillsborough.

He said: “It crossed my mind that the guy could have had a knife. If this isn’t stopped now, it could lead to a death on the pitch.”