A-League: Brad Jones welcomes healthy rivalry with long-time Glory keeper Liam Reddy

At 39, new Perth Glory keeper Brad Jones has no intention of slowing down as he prepares for his debut A-League season.

The safe hands of Brad Jones are ready to help Perth Glory this season. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones’ friendly rivalry with Liam Reddy will be put to the test when the pair battle for Perth Glory’s first-choice custodian spot this season.

At 39, ex-Socceroos keeper Jones has returned home to Perth to fulfil a career-long ambition to play for the Glory,

He’s set to have the jump on the Glory’s long-time gloveman and fellow veteran Reddy, who is sidelined for several weeks with a shoulder injury.

“We’ve spoken – he’s a good guy,” Jones said.

“I’ve known him from over time. I’ve never come across him that many times, but actually been in contact with him through Instagram and things like that.

“I was always following what the boys were doing over here, so it was good to meet up with him and look forward to working with him.

“There’s always competition but at the same time goalies tend to be a pretty tight-knit group.

“We’re a different breed, kind of set aside from the rest of the team. There might only be four of you so it helps when you can get on and get the work done.”

Brad Jones has returned home to Perth intent on winning trophies with the Glory. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Despite often warming the bench at Liverpool, Jones’ subsequent moves to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he was first-choice keeper and won respective titles with Feyenoord and Al-Nassr, has him determined not to drop back to being a second-string gloveman and intent on helping the Glory challenge for the A-League title.

“Anybody that’s out there playing wants to be on the pitch,” Jones said.

“Over the past years I’ve selected where I’ve got. From my time at Liverpool towards the end there, the club became successful and I wanted more of that, but I wanted to be out there playing.

“My time in Holland as very successful and something that was a massive step for me to become a first-team keeper and also achieve what we achieved.

“Saudi was the same. I wasn’t going there just to play for anyone.

“I’m looking for the same thing here.”

Originally published as A-League: Brad Jones welcomes healthy rivalry with long-time Glory keeper Liam Reddy