Brad Jones: Relationship With Simon Mignolet Won't Change; I Want New Contract

Brad Jones hopes to leverage his spell in the limelight into a longer stay in the big time.

Jones told the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday that he hopes his performances as Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper will help him earn a new contract with the club. Jones has played in Liverpool’s last three games ahead of struggling incumbent Simon Mignolet, with whom he still enjoys a solid personal and professional relationship. Jones’ contract expires next summer, and Liverpool is thought to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in January, which could spell the end of his five-year tenure at Anfield.

“I am happy to go out there, try and do my best to help the team and hope that I do well enough to play the next one,” Jones said. “I’m playing to get a new contract but I’ve been playing that way since I signed my first contract. There have been no talks yet but of course I’d like to stay, especially if I’m playing.”

Jones, 32, has delivered mixed performances in his three recent starts, but Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the Australian will remain the starter “indefinitely.”

Jones says the reversal of his and Mignolet’s statuses won’t affect the positive atmosphere among the Liverpool goalkeepers.

“Simon and I have a very good relationship,” Jones said. “For us, it’s business as usual. We are old enough to know there is nothing petty between players. It is the manager’s decision.

“Whoever is playing, we want results and we want to get the team up the table. As soon as we get those points and start moving up the table, everyone is happy.”

Jones is aware that he could return to the bench at any moment or even leave Liverpool in the near future — that’s the life of a backup goalkeeper. For now, he’ll do his best and hope club bosses rediscover his value to the Reds’ cause.