Second choice doesn't interest Dudek

Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has reportedly told manager Rafael Benitez he is unwilling to act as understudy to Jose Reina with the World Cup approaching.

The Polish international was a Champions League final hero in May but has been relegated to second-choice at Anfield this season following Reina's arrival from Villarreal.

Dudek admits he is now in "a tough situation", and should he insist on first-team football, that could mean a move away from Anfield in the January transfer market, four and a half years after joining from Feyenoord.

He says in Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza how manager Rafael Benitez advised him Reina would remain first choice barring injury or a dramatic dip in the Spain international's form.

"I told him that solution does not interest me," said Dudek.

"I don't want to be counting on an injury to a colleague and he places me in a tough situation.

"I played most of Poland's matches in qualifying for the World Cup but if I don't play for my club I could wind up not going to the finals. For me this would be a disaster."

Dudek has yet to make a first-team appearance for Liverpool this season, and has already lost his automatic place in the Poland team - that being taken by Celtic's Artur Boruc.

It marks a dramatic turnaround for Dudek whose saves in open play and in the penalty shoot-out helped Liverpool beat AC Milan to become European champions.

Portuguese club Benfica, coached by Ronald Koeman, have been linked with a January move for the 32-year-old.