Liverpool's Mark Kennedy has put in a transfer request after failing to win a regular first-team place. The 12-times capped Republic of Ireland winger spoke to manager Roy Evans yesterday and handed in a letter requesting a move. "The boss understands my situation," said Kennedy. "He said he would put the request to the board." Kennedy was the subject of transfer speculation during the summer when it was reported that Wimbledon manager Joe Kinnear was interested in bringing the 21-year-old back to London.

Kennedy, signed by Evans for £1.5 million from Millwall two years ago, said: "I don't believe I have been given the chance I deserve. I only seem to have been able to get on the pitch here or there or when we are one or two goals behind. I believe I am good enough for the Premiership but I must get away from here to prove it."

Kennedy's request follows an expression of concern by Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy about the player's lack of first-team football. "I've got to get away to fulfil my potential as a player and as an international," said Kennedy. "Mick McCarthy has always said he has got to play people who are playing first-team football.

"He's not just come up with that yesterday; he's said it from day one when he took over. He's been quite good to me because I have played a few games when I've not been playing for Liverpool. He's always said I just need games, and I know that."