The recent injuries to both Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher shows why signing Andy Lonergan was such a shrewd decision by Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp is suffering from a mini goalkeeping crisis at the moment, with both Alisson and Kelleher sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Liverpool’s No.1 injured his hip in training last week, while the youngster could miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
All of a sudden, it means Lonergan is on the cusp of playing a starring role for the Reds should Adrian get a knock or be sent-off in the upcoming games.
The veteran was a surprise addition in many ways, given his reputation as a journeyman throughout his career, sealing a short-term move last August, following another injury to Alisson.
The 36-year-old was only ever seen as playing a supporting role in training, given the quality in front of him, but things have changed significantly since then.
While few would have even considered a move for a fourth-choice goalkeeper last summer, it has ended up paying dividends, with Lonergan set for a place on the bench against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Without him, Liverpool would be in real trouble in that respect, having to delve into the academy to find a back-up to Adrian.
While Lonergan has been given the honour of being in a matchday squad seven times already in 2019/20, none of the games in question were as vital as the make-or-break Champions League showdown.
With all due respect to the former Preston North End, Leeds United and Bolton Wanderers stopper, the hope is that Adrian stays fit and he isn’t required, but Lonergan will be ready if called upon.
He has spent the entire season training alongside his teammates, getting up to speed with Klopp’s style of play and mastering what is expected of a ‘keeper in this side.
Lonergan’s vast experience should also mean he shouldn’t be fazed if he has to come in, even though he would be performing on the biggest stage of his career.
Plenty turned their noses up when Liverpool completed the surprise move for the Englishman last summer, but time has shown why the Reds were right to bring him in.
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