Jones encouraged to grab cup chance
The man tasked with coaching Liverpool's group of goalkeepers has explained why Brad Jones deserves an opportunity to play in the FA Cup, sharing his confidence in the Australian.
Having been handed a starting berth when the Reds kicked off their campaign in the knockout tournament, the 31-year-old produced an impressive display in securing a clean sheet against Oldham Athletic.
Bournemouth are the next obstacle facing Brendan Rodgers' team, in an early kick-off on Saturday, and the Northern Irishman revealed at his pre-match press conference that Jones will be between the posts.
The club's goalkeeping coach, John Achterberg, has complete faith that the former Middlesbrough stopper will contribute another assured performance in place of teammate Simon Mignolet.
"He always gives 100 per cent in training to be fair and he makes some very good saves in training and in five-a-sides," the Dutchman told Liverpoolfc.com.
"He always works to the maximum of his capabilities. If you get a chance as a goalkeeper then you need to take your chance and show what you are capable of. He played really well against Oldham.
"The analysis department and ourselves have watched some games and looked at the set-plays, and looked at their players and highlighted what they do individually.
"We prepare the goalkeepers in the same way and tell them what they can expect. You just need to try and make sure the training Brad has got is helping him to be ready for the game.
"He is doing similar training to Simon but the day after the game Simon will do less and Brad will do more to keep his movements, speed and reactions up.
"You balance it out for every goalkeeper and it's important they get the right amount to be ready to play the game."
During his playing career with Tranmere Rovers, Achterberg regularly turned out at the Goldsands Stadium, the destination for Rodgers and his players for their fourth-round encounter.
He knows well, therefore, that the Reds must reach maximum levels throughout the 90 minutes to ensure no repeat of their elimination by lower-league opposition at the same stage 12 months ago.
"There are no easy games in English football," the coach added. "Everyone knows that, as history has shown that the smaller clubs can beat the bigger clubs if you are not on it 100 per cent.
"We know we have to be on it 100 per cent - whether that be against Bournemouth or any other team, it doesn't matter who we will play.
"There will be a good atmosphere, it is a small stadium but they get decent crowds. We just have to try and focus on our own game and do our own things, be ready and be up for it."