Houllier gives Kirkland his big break

Jerzy Dudek has paid the price for his poor recent form after Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier revealed Chris Kirkland will be given “a run of games”.

Poland international Dudek was expected to make way for England Under-21 star Kirkland for tomorrow‘s Worthington Cup fourth-round tie against Ipswich at Anfield.

But Houllier has confirmed former Coventry goalkeeper Kirkland will be given the chance to stake his claim for the first-team shirt on a permanent basis in the wake of Dudek‘s costly mistake against Manchester United on Sunday which allowed Diego Forlan to score the opening goal in his side‘s 2-1 win at Anfield.

Houllier‘s announcement is timed perfectly for Kirkland, who has been named by England assistant head coach Tord Grip as “the most talented goalkeeper in England” but has been undermined by his lack of first-team experience.

“Chris deserves a run of games and he will have that now,” said Houllier today.

“I spoke to both goalkeepers and told them Chris would get his run, and he will get the same backing I have given to Jerzy.

“Chris has shown he is a man by the way he has supported Jerzy; they are friends and room together and everyone is upset for what has happened.”