[lfc-news] Kirkland closing in on return - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 31 Mar 2005
KIRKLAND CLOSING IN ON RETURN
By Steve Hunter

Chris Kirkland has given Liverpool a major boost by declaring he should
be back in action before the end of the season following a successful
back operation.

The talented England Under-21 international goalkeeper has had a well
documented spell of injuries during his time at Anfield but he is still
keeping his head up and remains confident the nightmare time he has had
is well and truly over.

Kirkland last played for the first team on 11th December 2004 in the
derby at Goodison Park and then underwent surgery to finally cure a
persistent back problem.

Kirkland told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The recovery is going very well. I had
the operation on my back eleven weeks ago and it needed doing because I
had been struggling with it for some time. The club and myself decided
that the best thing to do was get it all sorted out so it's gone very
well. I'm running again but I'm still a couple of week's away from
diving and making saves but I'm hoping to be back in action this season.

"I hope to play before the end of this season, it's obviously up to the
gaffer when I play but all I can do is get myself back and fit. If the
manager wants me to wait and work more on my fitness then we will decide
that later on.

"I hope the problems I have had will now be over. Before the operation
it wasn't just playing that was the problem, it was getting out of bed
in the mornings and it was everything in general so I thought the best
thing was to have the operation. I am fine now and can't feel anything
which is great for me."

The highly rated keeper says it has been difficult at times being on the
sidelines but he is grateful to the Liverpool fans whom he has met on
the street for keeping his spirits up.

Kirkland said: "It's difficult to put into words what I have been
through. It's just been very, very disappointing and to be honest since
I've come here it's been very stop start. I've had some serious injuries
but you just have to carry on and keep your head up and that's what I am
looking to do now. I've had people come up to me and wish me well and
hope I can get back quickly which is nice."

I put it to him that he could certainly do with some form of lady luck now.

"I could do yeah!" Kirkland retorted. "I don't know what I've done in a
previous life but it couldn't have been very nice!

"While I've been out I have only been to a couple of games but not many.
I'm a frustrated watcher because I've watched more games than I've
played in so I tend to stay away, but I still look for the lads results
all the time.

"I just want to come back fully fit and be a part of it again. The last
match at Anfield I played was against Olympiacos and it was such a great
night to be involved in, especially as we went a goal down. The second
half was just unbelievable and it went so quick as well but it was a
great strike from Stevie to win us the game. It could only be him to
score a goal like that."

Kirkland has also welcomed the arrival of fellow England Under-21
international goalkeeper Scott Carson to Anfield and believes there is
good healthy competition for the number one shirt.

Kirkland said: "Scotty is a great goalkeeper, he is English as well
which is great, and you know at any top club you are going to have
competition. Scotty's arrival will hopefully bring the keepers at the
club on even more.

"I have just got to work hard during pre-season and hopefully impress
the manager."

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