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Simon Mignolet insists he will “never give up fighting” because he can’t accept being Liverpool’s second-choice goalkeeper.

The Belgium international, who impressed in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in the EFL Cup, is set to be relegated to bench duty again when the Reds face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that summer signing Loris Karius is currently his No 1 but Mignolet is determined to change his manager’s mind.

The former Sunderland shot-stopper believes he can achieve that mission over the coming months – if it’s “a fair challenge based on performances”.

“I was happy to play – that’s what you want to do week in week out,” Mignolet said.

“I don’t want to be a number two, that’s clear. I want to play. I will keep fighting to get my place back.

“I will never give up fighting firstly because that’s not in my character to just give up.

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“Secondly because I am not in a situation where I can sit on the bench. I’m 28 years old and I want to play week in week out.

“So I’ll work hard and I’ll never give up - giving up is not what I want to do. I see it as a challenge that I can overcome. Hopefully it will be a fair challenge based on performances put in on the pitch.”

Mignolet, who had been stuck on the bench for the previous five matches, did his chances no harm with a solid display against Spurs as he kicked well, commanded his penalty box and made a couple of important saves.

Karius has yet to truly convince during the early stages of his Anfield career but Klopp’s public backing of the young German keeper suggests he will be given an extended run in the team.

The cards appear to be stacked against Mignolet.

“I don’t want to think about that. It’s not in my character,” he said.

“I will always support the team and the club. I am a Liverpool player and I am grateful for the support I get from the fans. It’s always nice to see that and hear that they are behind you.

“The only thing I can then do is to play my best, work hard and keep my head down like I’ve always been doing.

“Then in the end you can’t complain that you have, how you say, let yourself down. I want to keep my head up and be professional.

“I can only do my job to the best of my ability - be the best I can.

“Hopefully I can get my chance again to show what I can do. I don’t want that to take long.

“I was happy with my performance against Tottenham. Sometimes as a keeper you have to help the team out in important moments and I did that.”