Dudek says time right for ’Pool to give Kirkland his chance

JERZY DUDEK accepts the time is right to give Chris Kirkland his chance as Liverpool’s number one.

But the Polish star, who made a shock appearance in the club’s Worthington Cup penalty shoot-out victory over Ipswich, claims that fourth round tie was “one of the best nights of my career”.

Dudek will now take a rest to allow England under-21 Kirkland to have a “run of games” starting with Saturday’s Premiership clash at Charlton, followed by next Thursday’s UEFA Cup return with Vitesse Arnhem and the following weekend’s game at Sunderland.

Then Dudek, if boss Gerard Houllier continues his policy of playing the number two keeper in the Worthington Cup, can expect a return for the quarter-final at Aston Villa the following week.

Dudek now has a few weeks out of the limelight to reflect on the horror spell that has cost him his place in the first team, culminating in the terrible error that gave Manchester United and Diego Forlan their first goal in last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Anfield.

Dudek said: “It wasn’t easy for me to play against Ipswich after a few bad games, but the fans were brilliant. The lads were fantastic as well.

“Everyone gave me confidence. The main people to thank are the supporters because I didn’t expect the reception they gave me.

“In the last seven years I have never had a spell like this. I just have to make sure I come out of the bad period as soon as possible and I know I will have the backing of everyone at the club to help me do that.

“I know they won’t let me be alone. They will be right there with me to help me.”

Dudek got a massive ovation from the Anfield fans, which shocked him.

“There is something special about this club and the boss told me before the game that I don’t yet know or understand how special our fans are.

“He told me they would make sure I wasn’t walking alone and I saw that for myself. It was so emotional.

“I know I can’t be happy with my recent performances, even though I’ve had fans coming up to me in the streets and telling me not to worry. It has been tough, very tough, but I’m confident I’ll get through it. If I get a few weeks’ rest now then I will come back stronger.”