Brad Jones is still getting used to the fact he has been thrust into the Liverpool spotlight, but claims he is ready for a day out at Wembley.
Reds goalkeeper intends to make the most of unexpected opportunity
Brad Jones is still getting used to the fact that he has been thrust into the Liverpool spotlight, but claims he is ready for a day out at Wembley.
As third-choice goalkeeper at Anfield, the Australian shot-stopper was not expecting to see a lot of first-team action this season.
He has, however, seen Kenny Dalglish suffer something of a shot-stopping crisis, with Jose Reina and Alexander Doni forced to serve suspensions after picking up red cards.
Doni's dismissal against Blackburn on Tuesday saw Jones called from the bench, and he helped the Reds to a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Success at Ewood Park has offered Liverpool a welcome pick-me-up ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Merseyside rivals Everton, with it vital they established some momentum heading into that tie.
Jones is expected to line-up in a crucial clash at the home of English football and insists, despite taking in a hectic few days, he is the man for the big occasion.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," he said.
Prepared
"It is not something I've been thinking about to be honest but it is a big game and now it is about preparing for that and making sure I am focused and ready.
"These things can happen, as it proved for Doni coming in a couple of days ago (against Aston Villa).
"You just have to be prepared and have it in your mind that it could happen at any time.
"That is the thing being a goalkeeper on the bench - it could happen, but 99 per cent of the time it doesn't.
"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."
