Jones' joy at Aussie appearance
Brad Jones has expressed his delight at the opportunity to represent Liverpool in his home country of Australia after the Reds beat Melbourne Victory in a summer tour clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Australia international played the majority of Brendan Rodgers' side's 2-0 victory - secured through Steven Gerrard and Iago Aspas - before being replaced by recent signing Simon Mignolet.
Playing in front of a vociferous sell-out crowd of more than 95,000 made for a memorable occasion for Jones, and one that was made more unforgettable by performing in front of an audience close to his heart.
Jones told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was brilliant. For me, it was fantastic to play in front of my home country. My mum was here, and my brother.
"It was special to play for Liverpool in Australia in front of them, but I think for all the boys to come to a stadium like this and have a full house of 95,000 people for a friendly - it was brilliant. I think the boys really enjoyed it."
Having played for his national side at the iconic MCG in the past, Jones has fond memories of the ground; he could enjoy the atmosphere even more on this occasion, however .
"It was crazy," Jones added. "I spoke to the goalkeeper from Melbourne and we said it was like a home game for us, which it was.
"The songs during the game were so loud and before the game as well. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung unbelievably well by the Aussie public! It was fantastic and it's something we get to take away with us as a memory.
"I think the fact that it is pre-season, you don't quite have the same pressure as some of the league games, so maybe you take it in a little bit more and enjoy it a little bit more. It was fantastic.
"The boys all enjoyed it and it's something we can take from our pre-season. Normally it's just hard work in pre-season but this game in itself has been brilliant."
With fresh competition among the goalkeeping ranks following the arrival of Mignolet last month, Jones insisted that nothing will change in his approach to earning a chance.
The 31-year-old concluded: "It was good. It was my first game and I was carrying a little knock so it'll take a bit more time and I'll be cautious with it.
"I wanted to make sure I was out there today and get the chance to play at the MCG. I'm glad to get through it and have the result - and to get the minutes under your belt is important.
"I've been competing with Pepe for the last three years and now Simon's come in as well. It's the same job. You've got to go in and do your best every day and make sure the gaffer sees that, and then it comes down to him. I'll always try to do my best and if I get an opportunity, I'll try and take it."