Jones: Aussie visit will be special
Brad Jones predicts Liverpool's visit to Australia this summer will make for an occasion that will live long in the memory of everyone fortunate enough to be in attendance.
The Reds have confirmed they will face Melbourne Victory at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 24 as part of their summer tour of Asia and Australia in association with Standard Chartered - while they'll also visit Bangkok, Thailand on July 28.
Perth-born Jones believes the trip to his homeland will be a special event for all involved.
"I think it'll be massive. It's been a while since Australia has had a big English team go over," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I can remember as a kid, the likes of Nottingham Forest and teams like that coming over. That was amazing.
"For Liverpool to be going out there will definitely be something special. I'm sure the Australian public will enjoy it.
"The fact there are so many Brits out there - never mind how many Scousers there are out there! - will make it a great spectacle and I am sure we can expect a good attendance."
As an Australian, the game will have extra significance for Jones, who admits he's been desperate for the game to be made official ever since he heard a rumour Liverpool could visit his home country.
He said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I heard a sneaky rumour a few months ago that there was a chance it could happen - and I've tried every day to make sure it did! I was in the offices telling everyone how good it was going to be!
"It'll certainly be good to go over, but also to have that type of game to play in and have my family there will be something special."
Jones grew up a Liverpool fan in Australia and is therefore well placed to discuss the level of support the Reds will receive when they arrive in Oz.
Indeed, the goalkeeper feels backing for Liverpool could even outweigh that of the home team.
Jones said: "It's not just Australia that Liverpool have great support - it's everywhere! But in Australia, there are obviously a lot of expats moved over. I can vouch for that with my family.
"There is a massive following and especially for Liverpool.
"There was a time when a lot of Scousers moved over, or went over on the 'Ten Pound Poms' scheme.
"I know certainly when I was a kid, I wasn't the only one running around in a Liverpool shirt, that's for sure."
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground will stage the prestigious friendly.
With a capacity close to 100,000, it's one of the most iconic venues in world sport - and Jones has first-hand experience of playing there.
"I've played there for Australia, which was something special," he reflected. "The stadium is amazing - it's massive - and I think the boys will enjoy playing there.
"It's the biggest stadium in Australia and I am pretty sure it'll be not far off full, so it'll certainly be a good atmosphere and something for the boys to remember.
"We've had some good trips over the past couple of years but I'm sure this one will definitely stick in the mind."
Finally, Jones delivered a message for Liverpool's Australian fan base and insisted the Reds will be doing all they can to make sure the game is one to savour.
"Hopefully we'll see you there, make it a good game and something for the people to enjoy," he said.
"The players will enjoy it I'm sure, so hopefully they'll make it a good spectacle for everyone to come out and watch."