Kirkland set for pre-season comeback

The 21-year-old was expected to claim David Seaman's England spot before an unfortunate collision with Crystal Palace's Dele Adebola brought his season to a premature end. Kirkland has recovered from the disappointment of his injury and is now running again in a bid to prove his fitness.

Kirkland said: "I started running two weeks ago and so far everything is going to plan.

"I'm really optimistic I will be fit enough to play in pre-season. It's very important for me to be ready for that because that's not something you ever want to miss as a player.

"All things being well, I'll make it and it looks very positive at this stage. I just have to keep working hard over the summer."

Liverpool manager Gerard Houlier also believes that the young keeper is close to a return to the first team.

Houllier added: "I'm very hopeful Chris will now be with us for pre-season. The medical people have been very good with him.

"When you consider he was injured on January 26, it will be a good recovery if he is fit again from such an injury after just six months."