Dudek stakes Reds claim

Jerzy Dudek says he wants to retain his place in the Liverpool starting line-up.

Jerzy Dudek is hoping he has done enough in recent games to retain his place in the Liverpool goal.

The Polish international has been deputising for the suspended Jose Reina in between the Reds sticks, and he is keeping his fingers crossed that he has done enough to merit a place in the side which will face Manchester United in the FA Cup.

"I always do my best and I hope I've done enough in the last three  games to keep my place. We'll see at the weekend," he told the club's official website.
 
"My aim is always to play as well as I can and then leave the decision in the hands of the manager. I will accept whatever decision he makes because I am a professional and I play for Liverpool, not myself.

"Sometimes it is difficult when you don't play but as a footballer you have to sacrifice yourself for the team and my only thought is for the club. Whenever I get a chance I want to take it.

"If I've impressed enough to keep my place ahead of Pepe this weekend then great, but if not I'll keep working hard to make sure I'm ready for next time."

Heading into the United game, Dudek is mindful of the heart-breaking manner in which Liverpool lost the recent Premiership clash between the two sides, and he is hoping that revenge will be forthcoming on Saturday.
 
"Games against Manchester United are always big ones for players to play in and I'm sure it's going to be a great game on Saturday," he continued. "It hurt losing to them in the last minute at Old Trafford last month so hopefully we can make amends this time.
 
"I think everyone at the club has a clear idea and a clear target for the season. It's not about making the most appearances or playing the most matches, it's about doing everything we can to finish second in the league."

He added: "I don't think we can catch Chelsea now, but we can end the season in second place and that's what we have to aim for."