Saint answers Liverpool prayers
Friday, January 9, 2004
Article summary
With their established goalkeepers injured, Liverpool FC have signed Southampton FC's Paul Jones on loan.
Article body
Groin problem
The 30-year-old Polish international Dudek returned to the Liverpool first team at the weekend but suffered a groin injury in Wednesday's 1-0 Premiership victory at Chelsea FC and could be out for up to a month. Kirkland had been the first choice for Liverpool but he fractured a finger on 26 December and faces at least three more weeks out.
Houllier worried
Young Frenchman Patrice Luzi performed well after replacing Dudek at Chelsea but Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier wanted a short-term acquisition to provide extra cover. If Liverpool seek to extend the 36-year-old Jones's loan at a later date he will not be eligible to play in the UEFA Cup having already represented Southampton in the competition this season.
Vignal joins Espanyol
Meanwhile, Liverpool have loaned young French defender Gregory Vignal to Primera División strugglers RCD Espanyol until the end of the season. He has already spent the first half of 2003/04 on loan at Stade Rennais FC.