Mignolet not scared of Reina competition

New Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is not worried about the prospect of competing with Pepe Reina for a starting berth.

The Belgian shot-stopper completed a £9 million switch from Sunderland on Tuesday, signing a long-term contract with the Anfield club.

And, despite Reina having occupied the number one spot at Liverpool since 2005, Mignolet insisted that he welcomes the challenge of the displacing the Spaniard.

“Competition can only be a good thing,” he said.

“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 (Jones). Pepe is an experienced goalkeeper who has proven a lot over the years.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The 25-year-old, who spent three years with Sunderland after arriving from Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden, also claimed that he is not intimidated by the idea of playing for a bigger club.

“It’s a challenge – but that’s what you want,” he added. “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 my own abilities and I can’t wait to get the first cleansheet under my belt. I’ve never been a nervous person. I’m quite confident in my own abilities.”