Thursday 27 October 2016 10:14, UK
Simon Mignolet says he will not accept being second choice goalkeeper at Liverpool behind Loris Karius.
Karius, who arrived for £5m from German club Mainz during the summer, has displaced the Belgian as Jurgen Klopp's No 1 in recent weeks after missing the start of the season with a broken hand.
Mignolet was given a run-out in Tuesday night's 2-1 EFL Cup win over Tottenham, his first game since 16 September, and the Belgian says he needs regular first-team football.
"I don't want to be a No 2, that's clear. I want to play," he said. "I will never give up fighting because that's not in my character to just give up.
"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. So hopefully it will be a fair challenge based on performances put in on the pitch."
Klopp confirmed Karius was currently his No 1 ahead of the Spurs tie but Mignolet is determined to force the Liverpool manager to change change mind and will keep fighting for his place.
"I don't want to think about that. It's not in my character," Mignolet said. "I will always support the team and the club. Hopefully I can get my chance again to show what I can do. I am happy with my performance against Tottenham.
"I will keep fighting to get my place back…to be honest, the only thing I can do is work hard, keep my head down."
