Liverpool boss, Kenny Dalglish thinks that the Reds reserve goalkeeper, Brad Jones will rise to the occasion in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton on Saturday.
The Australian International will guard the Liverpool goal against the Toffees, after http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-Reina-c29672 and Doni both picked up Red Cards during their respective games against Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers.
However, the 30 year old had his moment in the match against the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 went on to win that match 3-2 at Ewood Park. After the game, he dedicated his penalty save to
his late son, who passed away in November after suffering from leukaemia.
The Reds boss hailed the strong character of the player.
“We're not here to delve into the players' personal lives, but what's happened to Brad would have tested most people,” the manager told reporters on Friday.
Jones made his debut for the Reds in a Carling Cup match against Northampton Town in September, 2010. His second start for the club came against Utrecht in the Europa League during the same year, in which he kept a clean sheet. He came on as a substitute
against Blackburn, after Doni was shown a Red Card in the 25th minute, after he illegally denied Yakubu a clear goal scoring opportunity inside the box. It was his first Premier League appearance for the club, since his move to Anfield in August,
2010.
“He will be happy he got a few minutes under his belt at Blackburn and I'm sure he enjoyed his first bit of action, saving a penalty.” Dalglish added.
The Reds topsy-turvy season was further marred by a setback, after their first choice goalkeeper Reina, was suspended for three matches for allegedly head-butting James Perch, against Newcastle. However, the Scott eulogized both Doni and Jones for doing
a remarkable http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 in the absence of the Spaniard, and was optimistic that the latter will be able to fill Reina’s shoes in the semi-final.
“He'll be excited, as everyone else is, about playing. It's credit to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Doni-c11553 that he kept himself fit and active and sharp, and Brad's the same.”
Dalglish’s side earlier hoisted the Carling Cup trophy in February by beating Cardiff City in a penalty shoot-out, in a gripping final. But the 61 year old refused to concur that the league cup triumph is likely to affect the proceedings against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019
on Saturday. He went on to say that his side is not dwelling in the past, as their focus was solely on the upcoming match.
“We didn't, we haven't and we won't and we will look forward…Our greatest concern will be ourselves and we are always respectful of the opposition.”
Tags: