Use your head like Sadio and subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is hopeful of being recalled for Monday’s visit of Manchester United after expressing confidence in his start to the season.

Mignolet has been benched for the Reds’ last three games after summer signing Loris Karius was preferred between the sticks by boss Jurgen Klopp.

The Belgium international admits to being “hurt” by his demotion having started Liverpool’s first five games of the campaign.

However, a succession of unconvincing performances from Karius have prompted calls for Mignolet to be restored to the starting line-up.

And the 28-year-old has set his sights on being involved against United after pointing to “important” saves this term.

“I didn’t play the last two weeks and I don’t want it to be any longer,” said Mignolet. “I look at it positively. I hope to play against United. I still feel confident because of my good league start. Against Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester I have been important for the team by making some good saves.

“I have the advantage that the game against United is only Monday so I can have a full preparation.

“I don’t know what the coach will decide. I can just prepare myself 100%. Whether I play or not, nothing will change my match preparation. It is not in my character to not give 100%.”

Mignolet claims Liverpool fans have been supportive of the manner in which he has greeted losing his starting role.

“Every time you sit on the bench it hurts,” he told reporters in Belgium.

“I’m also a lot more nervous on the bench than on the pitch. But the intention is to play again as soon as possible.

“The important thing is that I try to handle to situation the best I can. I think my response has been positive. It was also appreciated by the supporters.”

Writing in his ECHO column last week, John Aldridge stated Mignolet should be recalled for the visit of United.

And the Belgian said: “That’s certainly nice to hear, when such opinion comes from someone who has meant so much for the club. But most of all it is the support of family and friends that I am rising to.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“I hope to win my place back as soon as possible. As for the rest, I think the national team and Liverpool are two separate things.

“I want to play with the national team, just as I want to play at my club.”

Mignolet is behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order for Belgium and was an unused substitute in the World Cup qualifying wins over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday and Gibraltar on Monday.

Nevertheless, he feels in peak condition. “I’m sharp,” said Mignolet. “I try to watch my food, and my wife Jasmien says I sometimes exaggerate.

“But I see my body as an instrument and you have to be professional.

“Between training sessions I go to the gym with the national team. It has become easier now that we train in Tubize, the new facility for the Belgian FA.

“There is a good gym in the hotel. Eden Hazard has teased me a few times already that I’m there way too often.”

Mignolet, meanwhile, has positive words about former Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who took over as new Belgium boss after Euro 2016.

“He appreciates that I contribute my bit, for example when practising set-pieces,” he said. “In England it is only normal that a goalkeeper gives some instructions.

“Him and his assistant coach (Graeme Jones) appreciate my help. I recently had a conversation with (Roberto) Martinez. He is a very jovial man.”