New Liverpool signing Mignolet does not fear Reina competition

The 25-year-old was unveiled on Tuesday evening and says he is relishing the prospect of battling the Spain international and Australian keeper Brad Jones for the No.1 jersey

New Liverpool signing Simon Mignolet believes competition for places is “a good thing” as he looks to usurp current Anfield first-choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The Belgium international made the move to Merseyside from Sunderland on Tuesday, signing a long-term contract with the Reds after successfully completing a medical at Melwood.

Speculation has been rife that the ex-Black Cats shot-stopper will replace Reina between the sticks, but with manager Brendan Rodgers adamant the Spaniard is going nowhere, Mignolet is now set to battle it out for a starting berth – a challenge he is relishing.

“Competition can only be a good thing,” Mignolet told the club’s official website.

“I’ve been in big competitions wherever I’ve been – in Belgium with the national team and in Sunderland with Craig Gordon and Keiren Westwood, who are international goalies. Now it’s the same again with Pepe and with Brad.

“It’s only a good thing – to be competitive and to train as hard as you can, it can only bring the best out of you.

“Pepe is an experienced goalkeeper who has proven a lot over the years. I’m looking forward to working with him, the same as I am with Brad and the goalie coach.

“It’s a challenge but that’s what you want. You want to play in the big games, you want to play for a big club and to play with pressure.

“I’m very confident in myself and I can’t wait to get the first clean sheet under my belt. I’ve never been a nervous person. I’m quite confident in my own abilities.”

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