Dudek D-day approaches for Houllier

Dudek made an impeccable start to his Liverpool career, but recent poor performances have put him under real pressure from the fast emerging Chris Kirkland. His managers comments will have done little to ease his mind.

I need to know what state Jerzy is in," Houllier said today.

"You can't condemn people just like that. "I think he was unlucky in a couple of games we've had.

"The game finished on Saturday at 5pm and between Saturday and this morning the players had the day off so I have not had a chance to talk to Jerzy. I will assess the situation in training."

Chris Kirkland was set to start for Liverpool reserves against West Brom tonight. If he is to take on the mantle of first team keeper it would be assumed he would be taken out of the match. Houllier only added to the intrigue on this point.

He said: "Normally Chris would play tonight but I will be having a chat about that. I want to keep my options open because we have two important game ahead of us."

All eyes will be focused upon the Deva Stadium to see just who lines up in the Liverpool goal. The answer might well tell us the future of Jerzy Dudek.