Chris Kirkland will be given "a run of games" to prove himself in goal for Liverpool, manager Gerard Houllier has revealed.

Kirkland would have been picked for the Worthington Cup tie against Ipswich on Wednesday anyway, but he is now set to start in place of Jerzy Dudek when Liverpool take on Charlton at the weekend.

Dudek is paying the price for a run of mistakes, culminating in the incredible error that let in Diego Forlan to score the opening goal as Man Utd won 2-1 at Anfield.

Houllier's announcement is timed perfectly for Kirkland, who has been named by England assistant head coach Tord Grip as "the most talented goalkeeper in England".

"Chris deserves a run of games and he will have that now," said Houllier.

"I spoke to both goalkeepers and told them Chris would get his run, and he will get the same backing I have given to Jerzy.

"Chris has shown he is a man by the way he has supported Jerzy; they are friends and room together and everyone is upset for what has happened."