Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted that he feels some sympathy for rival stopper Simon Mignolet after he was dropped from Liverpool's starting XI.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that the Belgian's absence will be for an indefinite period, but Howard believes that managers should appreciate that keepers will always have ups and downs in the Premier League.

"I know he is a Red but I feel for Simon. It is hard being a goalkeeper," said Howard while speaking at the launch of his autobiography.

"You have to appreciate with a goalkeeper there are going to be ups and downs especially in this league because it is so fast and rough. The phrase is taking the goalkeeper out of the spotlight but actually it sheds more light on them. It is not easy. It is a confidence position and when you take him out of the team and then bring him back do the team and fans have confidence in him?

"You have to appreciate with a goalkeeper there are going to be ups and downs especially in this league because it is so fast and rough. To be honest I think it is hard road back when you get taken out of the team."

Brad Jones has come in to replace Mignolet, who was left out of Liverpool's recent 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.