Kirkland close to Reds recall - Echo

Liverpol Echo, 1 Oct 2004
Kirkland close to Reds recall
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ is considering leaving Jerzy Dudek out of this weekend's
Chelsea clash and recalling Chris Kirkland.

Kirkland continued his comeback in last night's 4-1 reserve win over West
Brom. It's under-stood a solid performance from the 22-year-old has put him
on the brink of a return to the first team.

Dudek has been under increasing pressure for his place following a series
of under-par performances.

Benitez backed the Pole by declaring him number one at the start of the
season, a position confirmed when Kirkland injured his back a week into the
campaign.

But Kirkland has responded with a series of impressive displays for the
second string since regaining his fitness.

Dudek's problems in Athens on Tuesday are believed to have forced Benitez
to wrestle with the possibility of giving Kirkland a first competitive
start under his managership.

He'll be mulling over the choice in training today and tomorrow.

The Spanish coach insists on keeping his team selections secret, even from
his players, until just before kick-off.

However, it's clear Kirkland is now edging closer to another run in the
first team.

Benitez was far from happy following the Champions League defeat to
Olympiakos but his options are limited if he wants to wield the axe.

He has told his players to be mentally tougher on their travels following
three successive away defeats.

"The problem is not the system - the problem is mentality," he said..

"We have to have more confidence in ourselves. We have talked about this,
but the players need to be more receptive."