Let's show Kirkland some respect

I began chatting to Kirkland as he conducted himself well despite the obvious shock and embarrassment of my friend’s actions. He mentioned something about this was why he preferred to go out at night (not sure how serious he was) and was soon on his way while my friend went about removing the grit from his lips.

I must admit, I didn’t know a great deal about Kirkland then, but then who did. He had only just broke into the Coventry City first team, and I certainly had no idea he would end up on the hallowed turf of Anfield as the Liverpool number one. What was clear though was that Kirkland was a level-headed genuine nice guy with humility in abundance.

So, as Liverpool continue their rehabilitation from a woeful period of form, spare a thought for the devastated, Chris Kirkland, the lad from Leicester who must now embark on his own rehabilitation and recovery.

Personally, and this maybe just be me, but I cannot help but feel that the magnitude of Kirklands misfortune has been partly lost in the euphoria of the accomplished Jerzy Dudek winning his place back. A perception from some quarters that it obtains him the opportunity of showing everybody what he can do, what he is made of. Why is this?

Now, I don’t know about you but I know what Dudek is made of – 100% class. And I really don’t need him to demonstrate or prove anything. Jerzey Dudek is one of the best keepers in the world without question. But it’s like we are saying “Kirklands injured, oh never mind we have Dudek!”

It’s an attitude I’m not entirely comfortable with.

What is more important to me is that our young keeper, a keeper confidently fulfilling his promise and potential will now have to recover from a serious injury.

It is obvious however that Dudek 29, would not be happy on the bench forever, so I guess Chris’ lengthy injury lay-off means that Dudek won’t be knocking on Houlliers door asking for a transfer request anytime soon. But that’s just delaying the inevitable, it will happen eventually, Kirkland will become just too good.

Everything has been on the up for Chris Kirkland since his transfer to Liverpool, a self confessed Liverpool fan. With his place finally cemented, his stature growing all the time and the ever-complimentary eyes of Erickson and Grip on him, observing expectantly, it really was all fairytale stuff. Then disaster, against Crystal Palace, came the torn posterior cruciate ligament to his right knee. His season over and the prospect of regular visits to knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman beckoned.

Chris Kirkland managed 13 games (unlucky for some) in all competitions after replacing Dudek in the Sunderland game. 13 goals conceded (ooh THAT number again) yet an impressive 5 cleansheets. After this sustained run in the side everyone was in agreement at what such a huge talent he is. Undeniably Seaman’s successor for the England number 1 jersey.

Fresh, revitalised and more importantly refocused, it will be business as usual (and no I don’t mean directly before he was axed!) for Dudek. We don’t need to worry. And as expected his performance in last night’s game against Arsenal did nothing but bolster that claim – he was exceptional.

While Kirkland convalesces, the highest compliment to him is that the form he showed in the Liverpool goal was such that it was going to take nothing short of a broken leg (well almost!) for Dudek to displace him and reclaim his place. The Polish shot-stopper has openly admitted he would have preferred not to have returned to the first eleven at the expense of his friend in the way that he has.

Football it seems, is a cruel mistress and not one for sentiment. Recover soon Chris, we are all right behind you.