ReactionCurtis Jones: I'm playing with a smile on my face

The midfielder, who became a dad for the first time last week, netted the winning goal in the second half of the Premier League contest at Anfield on Sunday.

It capped a brilliant performance from Jones, having also earned the penalty that was converted by Mohamed Salah to open the game's scoring after 29 minutes.

Read on for a summary of his post-match interview with Sky Sports…

• Read our match report from Anfield here

On an all-action personal display and the most important thing being it contributed to a win…

Well, yeah, it's the most important thing. We came away with a win, that's the most important thing. I was involved in a lot as well, as you said, but I'm happy that we won.

On winning the penalty for Liverpool's first goal…

I remember I played the ball and made a run and then it hit my back and it was just there. I never dive, I felt the contact and I went down and it was a penalty.

On it being part of his role to be involved in both boxes…

Yeah, 100 per cent. For a player who wants to play in this team, you've got to run, you've got to have energy, you've got to be all over the pitch. You've got to help with the goals and the assists. And if you're in centre midfield, you've got to go and press, you've got to get back, you've got to help out. That's what I try to do.

On his winning goal…

There's been times when I've arrived in the box and it has always been a first-time one; there was one against Leicester where I have come in at the back post and there was one against Spurs as well. As soon as Mo had the ball, I've made the run and I thought it was going to come and it did. But it kind of bounced as well so I thought, I've got to have a touch and it's got to be a perfect touch. I was fortunate enough it was in my path and I got the goal.

On becoming a dad last week…

[I've been] a dad [for] a week, yeah, it's the best thing ever. I'm playing with a smile on my face. It's a different type of joy. My little girl would be proud as well, so I hope that my girlfriend at home and the baby are there with a smile on their face.

On sleeping in the spare room the night before the match…

Yeah, for sure I was in the spare room! But at the same time, she's a little dream as well; she's just awake, she wants a feed and change and then she's back asleep. So I could have stayed in the main room, I would have been fine, but I just thought it's wise that I stay in the spare room. I was wide awake and I had energy.