Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given his backing to goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and is confident that the Belgian will improve after receiving a bout of criticism.

The 26-year-old was at fault for letting in Ludogorets Razgrad's opening goal after three minutes in Wednesday's Champions League group tie, which eventually ended in a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria.

In this afternoon's press conference, Rodgers told reporters: "He is fine. I have had a good chat with him. The club paid a lot of money for him, and he has saved us in a number of games.

"It is never easy coping with criticism. It is part of the sport. He has got to focus on being better in his next training session and his next game and that is what he has done. He is strong enough. You have to embrace it.

"You have to be able to cope with the spotlight - it is always going to be there. You have to fight even harder and stronger when it comes your way, but he is a good guy and he is working well."

Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets this season so far.