BLACKBURN keeper Alan Kelly plans to boost his World Cup dreams with a star performance against Liverpool on Wednesday night after receiving a shock recall to Rovers' starting line-up.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper has already received assurances from Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy that he will be on the plane bound for Japan and South Korea later this month.

But now he hopes to cement his place as back-up keeper to Shay Given -- ahead of Charlton's Dean Kiely -- by performing well in Rovers' last two games of the campaign.

Kelly has been given an unexpected chance to impress after regular number one Brad Friedel was given special permission to link up with the United States squad last week in order to boost his own World Cup prospects.

And the former Sheffield United star aims to seize the opportunity with both hands in what will be his first Premiership start of the season.

"It's an unexpected bonus because I didn't know Brad was going away until the manager told me about it after the Everton game last week," said Kelly. "He said I'd get the last two games which is very welcome and I'm really looking forward to it because I haven't played much first team football for a while."

With McCarthy set to name his World Cup squad tomorrow, Kelly is all but guaranteed a place in the final 23.

But with Given and Kiely currently ahead of him in the pecking order, he knows it's vital he gives McCarthy a timely reminder of his ability.

"I've spoken to Mick and he said as long as I'm fit then I'll definitely be on the plane so I can only take him at his word," said Kelly, who recently returned from injury.

"That was good to hear and obviously playing in these next two games won't do me any harm at all.

"I've already been to one World Cup with the Ireland in 1994 which was a great experience and I can't wait to go to this one.

"It's not only the chance to test yourself against the best but going out to Japan will also give us all a chance to experience a different culture and a different climate."

Meanwhile, Henning Berg has been called up by Norway for their forthcoming friendly international against World Cup hosts Japan.

The former Manchester United star will jet off to Norway after Rovers' final game of the season against Fulham on Saturday to link up with the squad in time for the friendly game in Oslo on May 14th.

German international Didi Hamann will play for Liverpool against Rovers on Wednesday night.

Germany are due to step up their preparations for the World Cup finals with a fixture against Kuwait in Freiburg on May 9, but because that game takes place on the day after Liverpool play host to Rovers, Hamann has not been included in the squad.