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."
