Unlucky Kirkland returns to Reds

Kirkland had been on loan at Albion from Liverpool until the end of the season but a broken finger in training on Thursday means that his season is over.

Albion ended the loan spell of the former Coventry stopper after hearing that he would miss the rest of the season.

Kirkland has been so unlucky with injuries during his career and spent time on the sidelines earlier this season with a bruised kidney suffered at Bolton.

This injury meant that the giant keeper lost his place to the impressive Tomasz Kuszczak and he struggled to win back his first-team place.

Kirkland’s endured a frustrating time during his loan spell at The Hawthorns.

He started the season as number one but lost his place through injury in October, he then asked for a game in the reserves only to be sent off and now he has a broken finger.

Kirkland must have broken a few mirrors or crossed the path of a few black cats during his life to justify the luck he has had during his career.

Bryan Robson has given Kirkland a boost by admitting that if the circumstances are right at the end of the season he would love to sign him permanently for the Baggies.

Robson told the Official website, ‘It’s really unfortunate for Chris,

‘But we have a real interest in Chris at the end of the season.

‘It depends on our position and where we are and if Liverpool are prepared to do a deal.’

The worry for Albion at the start of the season was the status of Kirkland’s well-documented back problem but as far as Robson is concerned it isn’t a problem.

Robson said, ‘Although Chris has had a few unfortunate injuries, as far as his back is concerned, he’s proved that he’s fit.

‘He’s just been unlucky with the kidney injury and the broken finger, which can happen to anybody.

‘We would have a real interest in him if things go well for us.

The question Albion need to ask is who will be number one next season. There is no doubting that Kirkland is a class act but is it an expensive alternative to have him on the bench all season?

If Kuszczak is Robson’s first choice then why sign another keeper who would be first choice for a number of other top sides?

Will Kirkland be happy playing second fiddle again? It would be great to sign him, he’s a top class keeper but could we keep both him and Kuszczak happy?