Liverpool Echo: Jones promises to deliver

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Brad Jones is determined to deliver for Liverpool against Everton on Saturday after being thrust into the Wembley FA Cup spotlight.

The Australian keeper is set to line up for Kenny Dalglish's side in the FA Cup semi-final - 16 months after he last started a game for the Reds.

Jones came on in last night's dramatic 3-2 win at Blackburn Rovers following the dismissal of Alexander Doni, who will now be banned against the Blues. It was the first time Jones had played under Dalglish, to cap an emotional week following the birth of his son Nico last Wednesday.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," said Jones, who cost £2.3million from Middlesbrough in August 2010. "It wasn't something I was expecting. After the red card it was a case of getting focused and being ready.

"These things can happen and when you are on the bench as a goalkeeper you have to be prepared.

"It's going to be a big occasion against Everton. I have to make sure I do the right things and it's going to be an extra special day.

"It's massive just to be a Liverpool player. I'm as proud as anyone to do that and be part of this club.

"The last few days have been hectic after my girlfriend Dani gave birth to Nico. I've been getting into the routine of having a baby in the house. It's been a good week for me.

"Obviously now, I'll be preparing for a big game on Saturday so she might have a bit more work on her hands."

The 30-year-old's Liverpool FC career has been severely affected by personal tragedy following the death of his five-year-old son due to leukaemia last November.

And Jones believes Luca was looking over him as he saved Yakubu's penalty with his first touch.

"It's been a difficult 18 months for me with losing my son," Jones said. "It's been hard but maybe today he gave me that.

"Luca is with me every day. I carry him everywhere. His face is on my washbag and his toys are in my travel bag. In that sense I've got someone looking over me.

"It's been difficult not being involved and with everything that has gone on. But I've trained as hard as I can and hopefully that will stand me in good stead."Jones later conceded a penalty which Yakubu converted and held his hands up to the mistake.

He said: "I should have done better with the kick but these things happen.

"I saved one and gave one away but I'm happy with the result in the end. I have to focus on what's coming up now."

Jones will start at Wembley, with either of the reserves duo Tyrell Belford or Danny Ward likely to be drafted on to the bench.

Source: Liverpool Echo

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.