[lfc-news] Reds won't rush for cover - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 11 Jan 2005
Reds won't rush for cover
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will not be rushing to sign a goalkeeper as cover for Jerzy
Dudek, the Reds confirmed today.

Rafael Benitez sends his only fit and experienced goalkeeper out at
Anfield tonight for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against
Watford, with local youngster Paul Harrison on the bench.

But, with Harrison yet to start a senior game and Chris Kirkland ruled
out for at least three months after back surgery, the Reds' boss insists
there is no urgency to bring in a new keeper.

Benitez, who will select Dudek for his sixth successive appearance
tonight since losing his place to Kirkland earlier in the season, said:
"We are not in a hurry to sign a new goalkeeper."

"We need to wait and see the market and see the options available to us."

Youngster Paul Harrison has been on the bench for the last five games
and Benitez is happy to continue with him as back-up.

Should Dudek get injured it is likely Liverpool would then make a move
to get on-loan cover, as they did last season with Paul Jones, who is
tonight back at Anfield with Watford.

Real Madrid veteran Cesar has made a public plea to join Liverpool, but
the Reds are unlikely to react to his 'come and get me' message.

Despite reports, they have made no offer to sign him. His name was
mentioned in initial talks regarding striker Fernando Morientes, but was
quickly dismissed as a potential makeweight.

The Reds were in talks with Madrid again today and were optimistic a
deal could be reached for Morientes. Boss Benitez wants a decision quickly.

"If we can do it in a few days we will, if not we will look for another
player," he declared.

"But I am always an optimist and hopefully in a few days, maybe even a
few hours, we will know things."

Benitez refused to be drawn on alternatives should the Morientes move
collapse.

Milan Baros and Neil Mellor are expected to start up front tonight, with
Benitez naming a strong starting line-up for the visit of the
Championship side (kick-off 8pm). Sami Hyypia, though is out with a flu
virus.

* Liverpool and Everton will decide upon the dates for their FA Cup
fourth round ties, should Liverpool beat Burnley next week, after
television have selected their matches for coverage.

If neither Everton v Sunderland nor the potential Liverpool v
Bournemouth clash are selected for screening, both clubs would be due to
play on Saturday, January 29.

The police would insist that one club switches to the Sunday.


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