Kenny Dalglish has praised the attitude of stand-in goalkeeper Alexander Doni as he prepares to replace Pepe Reina.
Brazil international is poised to make his Premier League debut
Kenny Dalglish has praised the attitude of stand-in goalkeeper Alexander Doni as he prepares to replace Pepe Reina in the Liverpool team.
Reina is suspended for Liverpool's next three games after his dismissal at Newcastle and his presence will be missed after making 183 successive Premier League appearances.
His replacement has played just 57 minutes of football - which was in a friendly back in October - and has not played any reserve-team football either this term.
In his defence, Doni has racked up vast experience with Roma and is a Brazil international, which has left Dalglish confident he can fill the breach..
"His attitude has been brilliant. He looks really sharp," he said.
Circumstances
"Since he has come he has got better and better, but you need to see it translated into games.
"It's unfortunate circumstances but I am sure he will be looking forward to the game.
"He played in Serie A so I'd say he was a confident boy - although I'd better say 'quietly confident' otherwise he'll be accused of being arrogant.
"He's very experienced and has worked really hard in training since he got here. He has done as much as he can to try to be ready."
The understanding between the defence and their new goalkeeper could take some time to develop and Dalglish acknowledges Doni will have to learn quickly.
Understanding
He added: "It is equally as important for a keeper as any other player to get some first-team games, so it won't be easy for him.
"You have got to get an understanding with your team-mates and it's hard to do that without playing in games.
"But the only way we can get round that now is by him playing and getting that understanding.
"Pepe wanted to play every game but now he's got his chance and he will have to be ready to step in."
