Jones: Why I don't fear Eto'o
Brad Jones insists he will not be intimidated by the threat of Samuel Eto'o on Thursday night because he is used to keeping world-class talent like Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard at bay every day in training.
The Australian is set to take up the gloves for a second consecutive fixture when the Reds welcome Russian Premier League leaders Anzhi Makhachkala to Anfield in the Europa League.
And while Jones knows he will have to be on top form in order to foil the talents of Anzhi's expensively-assembled side, he is determined to seize the opportunity in Pepe Reina's absence.
"Eto'o is a fantastic player and has been for a number of years," he told reporters gathered for a pre-Anzhi press conference at Anfield.
"He has played at the top and you know that you are going to have to be on top of your game against him.
"But I have to do that every day [at Melwood] with the likes of Suarez and Gerrard anyway. You just need to make sure you concentrate and do the right things.
"For me it doesn't particularly bother me what player I'm facing. It's the same idea when you go out - you don't want to concede goals."
Jones sees the clash against Anzhi as another opportunity for players to impress the manager and push for a place in his plans for the clash against bitter rivals Everton at the weekend.
However, the 30-year-old is keen not to lose sight of the importance of getting a win in Thursday's game before shifting the focus to Sunday.
"We've got to concentrate on each game," he said. "I know that's a big cliché but it's certainly the way I see it.
"In the cups we've had quite a few players get games and a lot have come in and showed what they can do - so the boys are all trying to prove to the manager that they are worthy [of playing in the first team] which creates good competition within the club.
"Whoever plays on Thursday has a chance to try and impress the manager and if that means they get to play in the game against Everton at the weekend, then so be it. They obviously deserve to be there.
"How big a week is it? It's one of many throughout what will be a long, hard season and we are going to go out to try and win both games.
"At the minute everyone is concentrating on Thursday. Maybe after that the excitement [for the derby] will build."
Jones' starting berth for the clash against Anzhi has come as the result of a hamstring injury sustained by Reina during international duty with Spain.
"It's all about getting opportunities," he said. "I'm grateful to have had the chances to play and show what I can do. Hopefully I've justified being given those chances.
"Amongst goalkeepers the competition is strong. Peter Gulacsi is there as well and we all train very hard. For the squad in general there's a bit of competition and we've got a good few players who could easily slot into the team if needs be."
Guus Hiddink's Anzhi are unbeaten in Europe this season and are setting the pace in their domestic league.
"They've got a very good manager who is experienced and this season he's constructed the team the way he wants and that's reflected in their league position," explained Jones.
"The Russian league has picked up a lot over the last couple of years; there are a number of teams [fighting for the title] now. It's not a case of one or two teams running away with the league.
"Hiddink has earned a reputation through achievement and everywhere he has been he has been successful. For me, he was involved with the Australian national team and everyone speaks highly of him back home.
"He's certainly proved what he can do in any league in any country. He always achieves. He's very experienced and I'm sure he will have his side ready for us."