While headlines will talk of Dudek being axed by his manager, Houllier has made it clear that Kirkland was chosen as it was felt he would be both fresher and sharper then his goalkeping colleague.
Houllier said: "Jerzy Dudek played in two internationals last week and so I thought Chris would be a bit fresher and sharper.
"We have two goalkeepers here that are of a very high standard and it was my decision. I felt Chris deserved his chance."