Lay off Reina, urges understudy Jones

Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones has dismissed criticism of team-mate Jose Reina’s form and insists he has no worries about the Spain international’s form.

Holders Liverpool begin their defence of the League Cup at West Brom tonight (8pm, all other kick-offs 7.45pm), and Jones will start in goal. But he stressed that did not mean Reina had become a bad keeper.

“You don’t get to the top, which is where he has been for the last five or six years, if you are no good — it is simple as that — and you don’t stay there,” said the Australia international.

Elsewhere Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has warned Tottenham to be on their guard when they visit Brunton Park tonight (all kick offs 7.45pm unless stated).

The Cumbrians will be roared on by their biggest crowd of the season and knocked out Ipswich in the previous round. “We’re going to have a large home support and we’re going out there to do what we can to cause an upset,” said Abbot.

Mark Hughes looks set to give injury-plagued Kieron Dyer his first game in 13 months tonight against Reading.

The 33-year-old impressed on his return in the 2-1 London derby defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

“I thought Kieron was brilliant against Tottenham,” QPR manager Hughes said.

“You have got to give him credit. It’s been a long road back for him but you saw what he can bring to the team.”

Norwich manager Chris Hughton openly admits he will “make wholesale changes” tonight for the visit of Doncaster. “I only do that because at this moment the squad we have allows us to do it,” said Hughton.