The extension of Andy Lonergan's Liverpool contract is 'deserved' reward for his contributions to a memorable campaign, goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has declared.
The 36-year-old first joined up with the Reds ahead of their summer tour of the United States, which took place while Alisson was on international duty and young shot-stoppers Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros were both injured.
A subsequent fitness setback for the returning Alisson in August saw Lonergan's stay extended until July 1, by which point the current campaign should have been finished.
However, the coronavirus pandemic means the 2019-20 season won't be done until the end of that month, and Liverpool are keen to keep ensure their third-choice goalkeeper sticks around until then.
Achterberg said: “Lonners initially came to the club because we had some issues with injuries at the start of the season and he was really good in training.
In Pictures | Liverpool train ahead of season return | 03/06/20
"He worked hard and got up to the level by putting good work in, so then we decided to bring him in for the season because of the situation.
“He fits in really well with the team, with all the players in the team. He gives advice to Caoimhin [Kelleher] along with the goalkeeper coaches and that’s good.
"He works well with the other ‘keepers - with Ali and Adri - and is well liked by all of the players.
“He has a great mentality and has been a good help for us, so from that side he deserves the extension.
"He started the season with us and - as he said - he is really enjoying every day here, so for us it was no problem for him to stay and help in the last moment of the season.
“You start the season with all the players, so you want to finish the season with all the players. He has been one of us, so he should be here too.
"The season was extended because of the current situation, so it’s good and deserved for him to stay here until it’s complete.”