Liverpool look to the future

Long-term deals
Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has agreed a new deal which will keep him at Anfield until 2009, while English international defender Jamie Carragher - who has just come off crutches after a broken leg - will stay at the club until 2007.

'A club that cares'
"It shows that the club is not only looking at the future but the present," Houllier told the club's official website. "I'm pleased that we've managed to sign both of them for the future. Carragher is a Liverpool lad, I know what he brings to the team. We want more success here."

Injury problems
Kirkland returned to first-team action in the 4-3 win at Blackburn Rovers FC in the English League Cup on Wednesday night, having missed the second half of last season with a serious knee injury before tearing a groin muscle at the start of the current campaign.

'England's first choice'
"It was unfortunate for Chris that he had a very bad injury last season," said Houllier. "He had a bad start to this season as well but now he's back. I still believe that one day Chris Kirkland will be the No1 goalkeeper for England, I firmly believe that." Liverpool are away to FC Steaua Bucuresti in the first leg of their UEFA Cup second-round tie next Thursday.