Oggy backs Kirkland to shine

Steve Ogrizovic believes Liverpool‘s Chris Kirkland will take his chance and stake his claim to be the next England goalkeeper.

Polish star Jerzy Dudek will take a rest to allow England Under-21 youngster Kirkland to have a run of games – starting with Saturday’s Barclaycard Premiership clash at Charlton.

Gerard Houllier has also promised Kirkland starts in next week‘s UEFA Cup clash against Vitesse Arnhem and the Premiership visit to Sunderland on December 15, following Dudek‘s uncertain displays in recent weeks.

And Ogrizovic believes Kirkland – like himself a former Coventry goalkeeper - will grab the opportunity with both hands.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It looks as if Chris will be playing on Saturday and will have a run of games to get used to it.

“I‘m really pleased for him. I think he‘s ready and he‘ll be looking forward to it.

“We get carried away at Coventry but I honestly believe if he gets the right run of games he can be the next England keeper.”

Ogrizovic, who also played at Liverpool, continued: “He‘s tall, with quick feet, good hands and a good attitude to work.

“He wants to learn and keeps his feet on the ground – and he listens to advice.

“He‘s also got a good emotional background. The big games don‘t faze him and he can take pressure – you‘re going to hear a lot more of him.”

Ogrizovic believes Houllier‘s decision to play Dudek in last night‘s Worthington Cup clash with Ipswich was a good move.

Houllier hinted Dudek would spend a long stint on the sidelines after his howler for Diego Forlan‘s opening goal in Manchester United‘s 2-1 win at Anfield on Saturday.

Ogrizovic added: “Gerard Houllier probably thought ‘I‘m not going to kill him for the errors in the past.

“He needs to get back in playing and prove he can keep goal properly – which by all accounts he did last night.

“I‘ve been in Dudek‘s position and you feel awful when you‘ve made a bad mistake. You can‘t wait for the next game to prove you have still got it.

“The best goalkeepers are the ones who respond to the mistakes better than the others.

“You‘re going to make mistakes – and they will be played back time and time again.

“But you‘ve got to be strong mentally and positive at all times.”