Brad Jones has been thrust into the spotlight after Pepe Reina and Alexander Doni landed themselves suspensions.
Jones had a ‘busy’ time in goal for Liverpool last night when he came on, saving one penalty, giving away and conceding another, and now has an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to.
What can we tell you about him? Here are five facts to start you off…
1) Jones was signed by Roy Hodgson in summer 2010 from Middlesborough, where he had become first choice. The deal was worth an estimated £2.3 million
2) He spent 10 years at Middlesborough, but failed to make 60 appearances for the club, spending time out on loan, and on the bench as cover for Mark Schwarzer, before making his breakthrough when the club were relegated to the Championship. The clubs he was loaned to include Irish side Shelbourne, Stockport County, Rotherham United, two spells at Blackpool, and Sheffield Wednesday.
3) Jones is Australian, and has made three international caps for his country. He was part of the 2010 World Cup squad but withdrew after his son was diagnosed with leukemia.
4) He personally thanked Liverpool fans for their support after his six-year-old son lost his battle with leukemia, and dedicated his penalty save last night to him. His wife gave birth to a new son last week, beginning a new chapter in his life.
5) Yakubu is not the only top striker to have a penalty saved by Brad Jones, while at Middlesborough he saved one from Manchester United hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Liverpool fans- how confident are you Jones can steer you past Everton this weekend in the FA Cup?
image: © mattythewhite
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