The Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is "getting better" ahead of this weekend's Merseyside derby.

Reina missed Saturday's 1-0 home win over Reading due to a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with Spain, and will be eager to be involved in the Reds' Premier League meeting with local rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Before then there is Thursday's Europa League clash with Anzhi Makhachkala at Anfield, and giving an update on his fitness, Reina said: "I'm getting better, little by little.

"It wasn't worth taking any risks because you risk it getting worse. I'll be patient and get really good."

Reina has hailed the performance of his replacement on Saturday, Brad Jones, who he feels had a "complete game".

Quoted on www.liverpoolfc.com, Reina said: "Brad was excellent. He was composed, he was really good in the air, when he was called on he was fast off his line, and he played well with his feet. He had a complete game.

"He's a good fighter and a good keeper for Liverpool, not just an understudy. He's another keeper for the club and he'll do his best to play as many games as possible."