A twist of fate has left Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones preparing for the biggest match of his career after an emotional and eventful Premier League debut for Liverpool.
Jones, Liverpool’s third string goalkeeper, saved a penalty with his first touch in the Reds’ 3-2 win over Blackburn at Ewood Park on Wednesday (AEST) and dedicated the win to the memory of his son Luca, who died of leukaemia five months ago.
The Socceroos squad member had only made two senior cup appearances for the club but was unexpectedly thrown into action in the 26th minute after a red card to Alexander Doni, who had only started after first choice keeper Pepe Reina’s send off against Newcastle.
With both goalkeepers suspended, it leaves 30-year-old Jones in line to face Everton in the club’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s been a bit of a shock – not something I was expecting,” said Jones, who signed for Liverpool from Middlesbrough in 2010.
“Now it’s a case of getting focused and ready for it.”
Jones’ presence will ensure a strong Australian flavour to Saturday’s match, with Everton’s Tim Cahill shooting for a place in his second FA Cup final after featuring with Millwall in 2004.
Jones, who flew home from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to be with his ill son, pointed to the heavens after saving a penalty from former Middlesbrough teammate Yakubu to preserve a 2-0 lead for Liverpool.
The ‘keeper, whose partner Dani gave birth to a baby boy Nico Luca Jones last week, said: “It has been a difficult 18 months with my son passing away.
“That was for him and for the Liverpool fans, who have been brilliant.”
Yakubu went on to score twice, his second from the spot after Jones had needlessly fouled the Nigerian striker and appeared lucky not to be sent off, before Andy Carroll sealed the win in injury time.
Jones added: “I remembered many a Friday morning on the training pitch at Boro.
“We used to practice penalties, so I knew his (Yakubu’s) style and what he does.”
Dalglish backed Jones to help Liverpool overcome Everton in the FA Cup.
“We’ve not got a problem with anybody who plays,” said Dalglish, whose side head for Wembley on the back of a first win in five games.
“It’s been a smashing day for us.
“We’ve not had the best of times and we had a man sent off but we have come away with a 3-2 win.”
While Jones is likely to be in the mix to succeed Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer when he retires, Adam Federici again showed why he is favourite for the role with a penalty save of his own in Reading’s 1-0 win at Brighton.
Federici also pulled off a string of memorable stops as the Royals moved level on points with Championship leaders Southampton.
