Dudek sympathises with Kirkland

Last updated : 27 January 2003 By Chris Maxwell
Kirkland was stretchered off during Sunday's 4th round tie at Selhurst Park after a collision with Crystal Palace striker Dele Adebola. Though the young keeper broke no bones, there are fears he could miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.

Jerzy Dudek is the only winner in such unfortunate circumstances but he admits to not being happy with how his chance came about.

Dudek told the club's official website:"I feel so sorry for Chris and I really hope he's back in action soon.

"During my first few minutes on the pitch I was thinking more about him than I was about the game. We are close friends and I never like to see my friends suffering.

"The boss has been saying to me over the last few weeks that I always have to be ready because I never know when my chance is going to come around again. I don't like the way my chance came about, but I now have to come in and do a job for the team."