Jones dedicates debut win to son

Brad Jones helped Liverpool to victory over Blackburn Rovers, saving a penalty from former Middlesbrough teammate Ayegbeni Yakubu just seconds after he went on as a substitute.

Brad Jones helped Liverpool to victory over Blackburn Rovers, saving a penalty from former Middlesbrough teammate Ayegbeni Yakubu just seconds after he went on as a substitute.

Jones, who pointed skyward after saving the penalty, dedicated his debut Liverpool EPL performance to his son Luca, who passed away tragically after losing his battle with leukaemia five months ago.

The keeper, whose partner Dani gave birth to a baby boy Nico Luca Jones last week, said: "It has been a difficult 18 months with my son passing away.

"That was for him and for the Liverpool fans, who have been brilliant." Yakubu went on to score twice, his second from the spot after Jones had needlessly fouled the Nigerian striker, after Maxi Rodriguez gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead.

Jones added: "I remembered many a Friday morning on the training pitch at Boro.

"We used to practice penalties, so I knew his (Yakubu's) style and what he does."

Jones is now set to start in Liverpool-s FA Cup semi-final against Tim Cahill-s Everton this weekend at Wembley, with Pepe Raina and now Doni both suspended after receiving red cards.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish backed Jones to help Liverpool lift the cup and said the win over Blackburn would only boost the morale of his team.

"We've not got a problem with anybody who plays," said Dalglish, whose side heads for Wembley on the back of a first win in five games.

"It's been a smashing day for us. We've not had the best of times and we had a man sent off, but we have come away with a 3-2 win.”

Liverpool clinched the victory thanks to an injury time goal to Andy Carroll.