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17 November 2004  
Chris Kirkland Exclusive 

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Despite numerous calls into the England set-up, Kirkland is the only member of Sven's current group not to have earned a senior cap.

Injuries and the form of his Liverpool team-mate Jerzy Dudek has kept him on the sidelines, but over recent weeks, the 23-year-old has been first choice in Rafael Benitez's Merseyside outfit, earning selection into the squad for Spain.   

"It's nice to be back and nice to know they are still thinking about me," he told TheFA.com's Dan Freedman ahead of tonight's game in Madrid.

"It's been up and down again.  I didn't start the season, I had a back injury that kept me out for a little while but I've regained my spot and played eight games now, so I'm really enjoying it.

"I've got to be playing for Liverpool first, and if international honours do come after that, then great.

He added: "I've missed a lot of football and not played as many games for Liverpool as I would have liked, but hopefully the chance will come."

Even with his fair share of time out through injury, Kirkland has always remained in the thoughts of Sven and his coaching team and with eight Under 21 caps to his name, he says that the idea of representing England gives him a huge boost. 

"It gives you an extra incentive to get back," he said. "It's great to play for your club and great for your country, you get a massive buzz.

"And with the fans who come across to support England, it's fantastic."

The man who cost Liverpool £3m back in 2001 was reunited this week with his former Anfield teammate Michael Owen and is aware more than most of his abilities in front of goal.

"I've faced Michael many times in training and twice when I was at Coventry, although he never scored against me," said Kirkland. 

"But in training he was fantastic. He's one of the best finishers around and he's proving that now at Real Madrid.

"He knows where the goal is, he's always scored goals and he always will do. All strikers go through bad patches but the strong ones come through and he's shown that once again."

Watch or listen to the full interview with Chris Kirkland with England TV...