Robson wants Kirkland to stay

Jeroen

24 maart 2006, 16:50

West Brom boss Bryan Robson wants to sign Chris Kirkland on a permanent basis from Liverpool despite the on-loan goalkeeper suffering an injury-plagued season at The Hawthorns.

Kirkland was laid low by a kidney problem in October and a broken finger suffered in training on Thursday has effectively ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. It was a massive blow for the 24-year-old who had high hopes earlier in the season of forcing his way into England's World Cup squad.

Robson said: "It is really unfortunate for Chris. He went to save shot in training on Thursday but he knocked his finger back and has got a hairline fracture that will probably put him out for the season. But we have a real interest in signing Chris permanently at the end of the season."