Jose Reina steps into the European arena tomorrow with the full support of boss Rafael Benitez.
The Spanish boss has been quick to offer support to his countryman after a string of mistakes this season which leave Reina with just three clean sheets in 13 games, a far cry from last term when he set a new club record of 29 in his first 50 games for the club.
Benitez said: 'Reina is a fine goalkeeper, he is the same person as last season when he was outstanding.'
One of this season's three shut-outs was in the Champions League opener away to PSV Eindhoven, so he will be hoping for similar luck here against Les Girondes in Liverpool's crucial third group C game of the season.
Three more points will see them on seven at the group's halfway stage and firm favourites then to progress to the next stage as usually 10 points is enough for qualification.
But Reina will be in action on the back of yet another barrage of criticism for his display against Blackburn on Saturday when he was held partially responsible for Benni McCarthy's goal following the failure of Liverpool's defence to cut out a cross.
But Benitez watched Reina play for Spain last week and said: 'I spoke to Pepe and our goalkeeping coach about the situation while he was with Spain.
'He will get over this. When you have a good goalkeeper, you must support him. Two years ago we backed Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland, and now we support Pepe.
'As you saw with the English national team, it's hard for a goalkeeper when he makes a mistake because he's the last man. It makes a big difference.
'Last season there were a lot of times when Pepe made saves which helped us win a lot of games. In this case, maybe we need to help him by playing better in defence.
'It was good for him to play for Spain last week against Argentina. He's feeling okay. Jerzy is working hard, but Pepe will play as normal.'
Reina is well aware of the pressure he is being put under and said: 'Things aren't working out as I had hoped this season. Last season was better for me, but there is still plenty of time for me to get back to the form I was showing then.
'I feel a bit jinxed at the moment because I am making mistakes that I have never made before in my career but that is the way football is and I am fighting to end this bad run.
'I am always open to criticism. I am concerned, but I can only assure supporters that I am the same keeper as last season.'
