10.09.2003 - Kirkland to face new injury lay-off

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Chris Kirkland faces yet another injury lay-off after collecting a groin injury last night.

The Reds' second choice 'keeper was in the closing moments of the warm up prior to England's under-21 match against Portugal at Goodison Park, when he appeared to pull a muscle when practising his kicking.

Kirkland had already been named in the starting line-up for the game, though was forced to miss out and there are fears that the player rated by under-21 boss David Platt as 'the best young goalkeeper in the world' could now be out of action for a month.

Patrice Luzi, the first choice 'keeper in Liverpool's reserve team, will fill in for Kirkland during any absence, although should Jerzy Dudek remain fit, it is unlikely that Luzi will be handed a first team start.

John Welsh, the only other Liverpool player called up to the under-21s, was not named in Platt's 16 man squad for the match, which Portugal won 2-1.

England's seniors will be in action at Old Trafford tonight, with Emile Heskey and Michael Owen set to start, along with Steven Gerrard, despite being only 1 yellow card away from a 1 match ban, which would keep him out of next month's group decider in Turkey.

With Paul Scholes not available, and Sven Goran Eriksson likely to take off his star players should England get themselves into a comfortable lead, there may also be an appearance for Danny Murphy, at the same ground as that which he made his full international debut 2 years ago.