Sunday 14 December 2014 16:19, UK
Goalkeepers John Ruddy and Asmir Begovic have backed Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet to bounce back after he was dropped by Brendan Rodgers for the clash at Manchester United.
After a number of high-profile errors, Rodgers took the Belgium international out of the firing line and replaced him with Brad Jones for the Super Sunday clash at Old Trafford.
But Norwich star Ruddy believes Mignolet can return to form and prove Rodgers wrong.
“I’m disappointed for him. I really am,” Ruddy told Goals on Sunday.
“Yes, he has had a difficult start to the season but I’m not sure any Liverpool player hasn’t.
“To drop your number one goalkeeper is quite harsh but ultimately Brendan Rodgers gets paid to make decisions like this and I’m sure Simon will bounce back and when he’s back in the team he will prove him wrong.”
Before Sunday, Jones had not featured for Liverpool in the Premier League since starting in his side’s 3-1 defeat at Southampton back in March 2013 and Stoke stopper Begovic insists Rodgers’ decision is also unfair on the Australian 'keeper.
“Maybe it’s a little unfair on him as well to come in but Brad Jones is a quality goalkeeper,” Begovic added on Goals on Sunday.
“He’s not there for no reason so I’m sure he’ll be able to do a good job.
"It’s a difficult call. Obviously, we as goalkeepers feel for anyone who gets put in that position. We feel for Simon and we realise the pressure on Brad. It’s a difficult situation.
“It’s a big game for the club, one of the biggest in English football, and a huge call but hopefully he can bounce back.”
Ruddy also had words of praise for fellow England goalkeeper Joe Hart during his stint on the Goals on Sunday sofa.
The 28-year-old, who has featured alongside Hart in England squads, rates the Manchester City star as one of the best goalkeepers in the game.
Ruddy said: “I don’t think anyone’s come close in the last five years to being as good as him.
“He had a struggle last season where he went through a dip in form but it shows what great character he’s got and the mentality of him that he comes back and he’s even better than he was.
“The other night against Roma he was unbelievable. He’s got everything about him. He’s athletic, he’s good with the ball at his feet, he pulls off saves with his feet, with his arms, with anything and he’s got that spread. He’s just a top, top quality 'keeper and a great guy as well.
“I’m really pleased that he’s now looking to sign a new deal because I know how much he likes it at Man City and I know how much he doesn’t want to leave so long may it continue. I can’t see anyone shifting him anytime soon.”
