Polish keeper Jerzy Dudek appears to have made one error too many as Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier looks set to draft in young England hopeful Chris Kirkland as the Merseysider’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Dudek has made a number of high profile mistakes in recent weeks, but his error against local rivals Manchester United seems to have been the final straw for Houllier. The Pole dropped a simple headed back-pass at the feet of Diego Forlan to set United on their way to a 2-1 win at Anfield, and was inconsolable after the final whistle.
He has made similar errors in recent weeks against Middlesbro’ and Fulham, costing Liverpool valuable points in the Championship race.
Kirkland, only 21, will now get the chance he has been patiently waiting for following his œ6 million transfer from Coventry 15 months ago.
He will face tough matches against Arsenal, Newcastle and neighbours Everton before the New Year.
“Chris deserves a run of games and he will have that now”, commented Houllier.
“I spoke to both goalkeepers and told them he would get his run of games and that he will get the same backing that I have given to Jerzy.”
Speaking about Dudek, Houllier added: ” Nobody will blame him. We finished second last season, and that was partly down to his work and talent. The game is about mistakes and sometimes these things happen.”
