'Doni won't let us down'
Sebastian Coates today backed Alexander Doni to make the most of any first-team opportunities that come his way over the next few weeks with Pepe Reina set to serve a three-match suspension.
The Spain custodian's red card at Newcastle United on Sunday means he could miss the Reds' Barclays Premier League clashes with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, as well as the FA Cup semi-final with Everton at Wembley.
Doni is yet to make a competitive appearance for Liverpool following his transfer from AS Roma last July, but is likely to deputise in the absence of Reina - and Coates is confident he won't let anyone down.
"Alexander is a great person and a great goalkeeper. I am sure he will do really well," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"He has played for Brazil, one of the greatest national teams in the world, so he is used to playing in big games.
"He perhaps hasn't had an opportunity because obviously we have Pepe, but I think he will do well.
"I think he will make the most of every opportunity that's given to him. He is a great teammate and we all wish him well."
Coates and Doni both watched on from the substitutes' bench as Liverpool slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the Sports Direct Arena yesterday.
The Uruguay defender admits the Reds were left deeply disappointed by the loss, but insisted the team are already planning towards trying to secure a return to winning ways against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Coates said: "It was really hard. We all went there wanting to win, but it was a complicated game and a difficult defeat.
"I think it is really important as a team we keep believing in ourselves so we can move forward and try and get every point possible.
"The message in training this week will be the same as any other week - we've got to remain confident in ourselves and keep going forward.
"It's going to be a very difficult game against Aston Villa, but it's very important for us to win - and that's what we're going to try and do."