Kirkland Looking Forward To Madejski Clash

Last updated : 15 October 2002 By Rob Cooper
Chris Kirkland
Chris Kirkland
The former Coventry shotstopper has been named in David Platt's starting line-up for tonights game after missing Friday's 4-0 win in Slovakia. He replaces Matt Murray of Wolves.

Kirkland has never played at the Madejski Stadium before but he is certainly looking forward to the opportunity after hearing good things about games played there in the past.

"I've never played at the Madejski but I've heard it's a fantastic set-up and I think they normally get good crowds so I'm looking forward to it," he admitted, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.

"It's a good chance to play, it'll certainly be good to get a game. In all the matches I've played in England have had great support and they've been near sell out crowds every game."

The youngster, snapped up by Gerard Houllier last summer, missed the SUmmers European U21 Championships through injury but he is hoping the side can qualify again and hopefully bring home the trophy this time around.

He added: "I missed out on the tournament in the summer which was hugely disappointing. The lads weren't pleased with their performance when they were out there, they thought they could have done a bit better.

"We're looking for a strong qualifying campaign so we can go back out there and hopefully bring back some silverware."