No surgery for Kirkland

LIVERPOOL have confirmed that goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will not require surgery on his injured knee.

It had been thought the young Englishman would need major surgery on his damaged cruciate ligament.

However, after meeting with leading American surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, it has now been confirmed that the England Under-21 star will undergo a major rehabilitation scheme to regain fitness.

"It's really good news on Chris, he doesn't need an operation after all," said Reds assistant manager Phil Thompson.

"He has been to see the best surgeon in the world in Dr Steadman and he has now given us a strict rehabilitation schedule for Chris to adhere to.

"He won't play again this season but he should be okay to start pre-season training with the rest of the lads.

"If he had needed an operation the chances are that his rehabilitation would have overlapped with that and it is very important, even for a goalkeeper, that they get their groundwork done during the summer.

"We've spoken to Chris and he's happy with the verdict. No one likes to go under the surgeon's knife.

"The tear should heal naturally and that is a boost for everyone."