[lfc-news] Benitez backing for beleaguered keeper Kirkland - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 10 Sept 2004
Benitez backing for beleaguered keeper Kirkland
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ has delivered a timely vote of confidence in Chris Kirkland
as the Liverpool keeper targets a Champions League comeback next week.

Kirkland has suffered two further setbacks in his bid to become Anfield's
number one this season, with Jerzy Dudek selected ahead of him at the start
of the campaign and then a back strain keeping him on the sidelines for the
past fortnight.

In that time Coventry City had a cheeky attempt to take the 23-year-old
(left) back to Highfield Road on loan rejected by the new Liverpool manager.

And now Benitez has confirmed Kirkland figures in his long-term plans by
insisting the £9million stopper can become first choice for both Liverpool
and England.

"I'm sure he will be England's number one because he's a very good
goalkeeper," said Benitez. "We have two good goalkeepers and it is good for
the team that they fight for the position.

"It is good for England that he stays here at Liverpool because he will
improve. He works very, very hard. I am sure that in the future he will be
the number one in the international team."

Kirkland will not return ahead of tomorrow's home game with West Bromwich
Albion as Paul Harrison continues to deputise for Dudek.

But he expects to mount a serious challenge to the struggling Polish
international in next week's Champions League opener against Monaco.

Kirkland said: "I was gutted not to be chosen for the first match of the
season but he's the manager.

"I respect his decision and what he says goes."

Kirkland continued: "But I can't wait to get back playing and hopefully
I'll be involved next Wednesday."

Harry Kewell is available for the visit of Gary Megson's team after
recovering from the calf strain that forced him out of the defeat at Bolton.

New signing Antonio Nunez has now stepped up his rehabilitation from the
knee ligament injury suffered in his first training session with Liverpool.

The former Real Madrid midfielder has started light training and could make
his Liverpool bow in next week's reserve game against Sunderland.


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