"We had an agreement before the competition started that Chris Kirkland would play and I will give a go to Markus," confirmed Gerard Houllier. "I hope the fans will help him through it.
"It will be an emotional occasion. He said in a recent interview he was just waiting for the moment when I say to him 'you are ready'.
"He is feeling good and his level is rising all the time. I believe the time he has missed he can now add to his career."