Dirk Kuyt desperate to earn a recall to the Liverpool FC starting line-up at Arsenal

DIRK KUYT admits he’s “desperate” to earn a recall for Liverpool’s showdown with Arsenal today.

The Dutchman, who was the Reds’ top scorer with 15 goals last season, had to settle for a place on the bench against Sunderland last weekend.

However, Kuyt insists he’s in great shape and is hoping to be handed a start as Kenny Dalglish’s side chase a first ever victory at the Emirates Stadium.

“I am desperate to play and was disappointed not to start on Saturday,” Kuyt said.

“But the manager needs to decide who he’s going to pick and hopefully he’s going to pick me for the next game.

“We all trained really hard over the five or six weeks we had to prepare so everyone was desperate to get started.

“The draw against Sunder-land wasn’t what we were hoping for but that’s behind us now and a really big game is waiting for us.

“I am feeling very well. It’s my first full pre-season in many years. Last year I only had two weeks to prepare for the season but this year I had a full pre-season and I am feeling fitter than ever.”