Pepe: I've learned from ban
Pepe Reina today admitted he has come through the most difficult spell of his Liverpool career - and vowed never to suffer in the same way again.
The Reds' keeper served a three-match ban following his sending-off at Newcastle earlier this month, forcing him out of league games with Aston Villa and Blackburn as well as the FA Cup semi-final with Everton at Wembley.
Reserve goalkeepers Alexander Doni and Brad Jones both deputised in his absence, before the Spaniard made a return to first team duty against West Brom at the weekend.
"It's the longest time I've not played since coming to Liverpool," Reina said.
"It was frustrating because every footballer always wants to play all of the time.
"It has probably been the most difficult period of my Liverpool career in terms of not being able to play. It has seemed like a long time. But I have learned from that.
"You always have to be on your toes and do your best because the other lads are pushing, pushing, pushing all of the time. They won't give up.
"Now they are breathing down my neck more than ever so I have to be up for it and do my best."