Jones: I enjoyed that
Brad Jones was left highly satisfied after his first Barclays Premier League appearance for Liverpool ended with a clean sheet and the first home victory of 2012-13 against Reading on Saturday.
The Australian deputised between the sticks for the injured Pepe Reina and helped the Reds to a 1-0 victory over the Royals.
While Brendan Rodgers' side dominated the majority of the contest, Jones was required to pull off a handful of good saves in the second half to ensure Liverpool collected the three points.
Afterwards, he told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a good afternoon. To come back after the internationals and get thrown in and keep a clean sheet, I was happy with that.
"I'm happy to get the win. I think the performance probably deserved a bit more than just the one goal, but overall we dominated the game and deserved the three points.
"As the game went on and we were only winning 1-0, it was a little bit edgy, but the defenders stayed solid. Everyone chipped in, made sure nothing happened and we came away with what we deserved."
The win over Reading secured Liverpool's first top-flight win at Anfield this season at the fifth attempt.
Jones acknowledges the importance of ending that sequence without a win, but insists confidence within the squad has never wavered.
He reflected: "It was important to get our first home league win of the season so it didn't end up turning into a big deal, or anything like that. You don't want it to drag and then maybe have our confidence suffer.
"Up to now, our confidence hasn't dropped and we've always believed in what we're doing.
"But it was good to get it out of the way and we can get on with playing our football and hopefully getting more results."
Jones was handed his chance after regular first-choice custodian Reina returned from international duty with Spain nursing a hamstring injury.
The 30-year-old was naturally delighted with how the afternoon panned out - and believes his performance demonstrated the importance of working hard at Melwood in order to be fully prepared to grasp any opportunities.
Jones said: "That's the name of the game, keeping the ball out the back of the net! I'm happy with that and to get to play here [at Anfield] in front of the fans. A clean sheet only justifies being in [the team], I think.
"Pepe works hard and has played a lot of games, but between myself and Peter Gulacsi we work hard every day on the off-chance this might happen. We work well as a group and long may it continue."
Jones is hopeful of another first-team chance when Anzhi Makhachkala visit Anfield in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The 'keeper believes victory over the Russian side will help build momentum on the back of Saturday's victory.
Jones said: "The confidence hasn't been dented, and it's probably grown a little bit with that [win over Reading].
"Anzhi will be a good side - they've got a top manager and some top players. We'll have to make sure we do the job and control them rather than let them dictate. Hopefully that will give us three points and keep us ticking over."
On whether he'll get a chance to start again, Jones added: "We'll see - I hope so. I want to play as many games as I can.
"I'm eager to get out there, be able to play and show what I can do. If it happens then it'd be great."