Dudek ready to battle for place

Last updated : 31 July 2003 By Chris Maxwell
The 30-year-old Polish international has shared goalkeeping duties with his young colleague throughout pre-season and he, like Kirkland, insists that Gerard Houllier is still to decide which of the two will begin the season between the posts against Chelsea.

Dudek, speaking to the club's official website, said: "It's probably a nice decision for the manager to have to make. Competition for places exists all over the field so why should the goalkeeping position be any different?

"We are both working hard in training and looking to impress the boss. It's a big decision for him to make, but it's only one of a number of big decisions he faces before naming the team for the Chelsea match.

"No-one is guaranteed a place at Liverpool and that's the way it should be. All I know is that I feel good, I feel sharp and I will be ready if selected.

"Chris is a good friend of mine and we both wish each other well. It's great to see him back to full fitness again after the bad injury he picked up last season. We have both played during pre-season and both done well, but at the end of the day it's the manager's decision to make."