Kirkland prefers Baggies to Bhoys

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is set to choose West Brom over Celtic as his destination for a loan spell.
Kirkland, 24, wants to stay in the Premiership to prove his fitness and win back his England squad place.

His agent told the Express & Star: "Chris is a little concerned Scotland means 'out of sight, out of mind.'

"The opportunity at Albion suits all parties. They get a top keeper, and Liverpool can see Chris prove his fitness and show what he can do."

Kirkland was ranked as one of England's top young keepers when he moved from Coventry to Liverpool for £6m in 2002.

But his time at Anfield has been dogged by injuries and his future on Merseyside is in doubt.

Champions League final hero Jerzy Dudek, is still at Anfield, while the acquisition of Scott Carson from Leeds and the expected arrival of Villareal keeper Jose Reina has pushed Kirkland down the pecking order.

Kirkland's agent Colin Gordon said: "He wants to prove to the football world he is fit again and ready to re-establish himself, not just in the Premiership but as an England goalkeeper.

"There is a World Cup year down the line and that is still very much in his thoughts."