LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, October 25, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet applauds the supporters after his side's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur during the Football League Cup 4th Round match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Simon Mignolet bullish about his first-team chances and Liverpool’s squad depth

Simon Mignolet says he will keep working on winning back his place in the Liverpool team, following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Leeds United at Anfield.

The Reds left it late to reach the League Cup semi-finals, but goals from Divock Origi and youngster Ben Woodburn saw Jurgen Klopp‘s men progress.

Mignolet enjoyed an impressive night in goal for the Reds, making important saves in either half and generally looking assured.

The 28-year-old claims he will not give up on reclaiming his spot in the side, having been replaced by Loris Karius, and hailed the depth within the Liverpool squad right now.

“It’s not always easy when you know you’re not playing, but you train for yourself to make sure you stay fit and be ready,” Mignolet told LiverpoolFC.com.

“In football, things can change very quickly so you have to stay focused and that’s what I try to do.

“I try to stay professional and when you have the chance, it’s nice to play and get the victory also.

“I’m pleased with how we performed and I think we deserved to go to the semis. We’ve got a busy January coming up, but we love that.

“Everybody in training is pushing. It’s not a lie, it’s not a cliche, we’re working hard to make sure we’re ready when there is an injury or a suspension.

“Along this period in the winter we’ll need the whole squad and everybody’s shown again that they can step in when needed, and that’s very important for the whole club to know.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 29, 2016: Liverpool's Ben Woodburn scores the second goal against Leeds United, to become the club's youngest ever goal-scorer, during the Football League Cup Quarter-Final match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Belgian also heaped praise on Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer Woodburn, and the fellow youngsters, and spoke glowingly about his compatriot Origi.

“[Woodburn] will remember that for the rest of his life,” he added.

“Congratulations not only to him but all the young boys—when they come in, they take their chance and they show that they’ve got a lot of talent.

“If they keep working the way they do, they’ve got a bright future ahead of them.

“[It was a] brilliant cross from Trent but still a difficult finish from the tight angle, so [Origi] did well.

“I’m pleased for him because he’s been working hard also. As a striker, you live on goals and he’s scored two in two now so keep it coming, Divock!”

With attacking players missing currently, and Sadio Mane on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January, Origi looks set to play a key role in Liverpool’s festive schedule.

The 21-year-old looks to be finding the form that made him first-choice striker for a period last season, and he brings different attributes to the likes of Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge.

He did limp off against Leeds in stoppage time, however, but it is hopefully nothing too serious.

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