Gerard Houllier is hoping to provide more competition to veteran stopper Brad Friedel, assuming the American agrees a new deal at the club, by bringing in Chris Kirkland, the most unlucky goalkeeper in history. The 29-year-old was tipped as a future England international early on in his career but a year after year of serious injuries have seen him fall from grace since Villa’s manager signed him for Liverpool for £6m and is now bottom club Wigan’s third choice keeper. Due to the fantastic form of loanee Ali Al-Habsi, Kirkland has been forced out of the club with chairman Dave Whelan willing to let him leave on a free this summer to reduce the strugglers’ wage bill. Sunderland are known to be admirers, though Houllier has been linked to a move once again, with the Mirror stating that Gary McAllister is also a fan. This season has been an abysmal one for Kirkland, who has earned a number of England call-ups in the past making one appearance at senior international level. He was dropped after just two games of this term after the Latics lost 4-0 and 6-0 to Blackpool and Chelsea respectively. Since then he has made just two more appearances in the league, both ending in 1-1 draws. A lack of action saw him join Championship side Leicester on loan, though his record at a lower level didn’t impress, conceding a further 7 goals in just 3 games under Sven Goran Eriksson. Crocked and not worth it in my opinion. Robinson or Given are far better options but admittedly, far dearer too.
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