BRAD JONES was left to rue Liverpool’s first half performance after the holders crashed out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Swansea City at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers’ former club inflicted a 3-1 defeat and the keeper admits the Reds could have no complaints about the outcome.

“We are disappointed as we wanted to progress,” said Jones. “The feeling we got last season with going to Wembley and lifting the trophy was a fantastic day. It was something we wanted to replicate.

“But on the night it took us 45 minutes to get going. By then it was too late.

“Now we have to move on and ensure our league form continues on a higher level.”

After seeing the Reds fall behind to Chico Flores’ header, Jones revealed that Rodgers delivered “a kick up the backside” at half-time.

The boss also introduced Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard which triggered a major improvement in the second half.

But Nathan Dyer made it 2-0 and despite Suarez pulling one back, Jonathan De Guzman killed off the tie late on.

“The manager had a go at us at half-time and sent Luis and Steven on,” said Jones. “We got a kick up the backside and he let everyone know that we needed to get moving.

“Luis and Steven coming on gave us a spark.

“Maybe we were a bit naive early in the second half, pushing on too much too early. That gave them the chance to score their second.

“For the third one, everyone had pushed on and it was late in the game. That was irrelevant but the second goal was really disappointing.

“We had enough time and we were creating enough chances. We didn’t need to go that gung-ho trying to get the equaliser.”

Jones pulled off a string of fine saves as he made his fourth successive appearance for the Reds. Pepe Reina is expected to be fit for Sunday’s home clash with Newcastle but the Aussie has staked a claim to remain in the side.

“Everyone wants to play,” Jones added.

“When I came to Liverpool I knew Pepe had an unbelievable record. He’s a difficult guy to get out of the way. We have a good, friendly rivalry, along with Peter Gulacsi as well.

“For me this run of games has been a good opportunity to play and show I can perform if needed in the first team.

“Then it’s down to the manager to what he sees fit. It’s a case of all of us putting pressure on each other.

“I’ve been fairly happy with how things have gone. I haven’t had masses to do but I feel that what I have done has been fairly steady.”