Brendan Rodgers backs Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to come good

The 26-year-old was told to expect an "indefinite" period on the sidelines after being left out of the team to face Manchester United on 14 December following much criticism of his form this season. While Rodgers has not told the Belgian when to anticipate a recall, he expects him to return a better goalkeeper when he returns, having spent plenty of time analysing his performances. "Simon's response has been fantastic," said Rodgers, who admitted he had to take Mignolet out of the spotlight to allow him a cooling off period to reassess his game. "People would think coming out of the team would have a negative effect but he has been outstanding and his training has been good and we're analysing where he can improve. That time coming out of the team sometimes gives you that reflective period that you don't have when you're in the thick of it and it can benefit you. "I've seen a real positive reaction from him. John [Achterberg], who's our excellent goalkeeping coach, and myself sit down with him, study his game and look at the areas we feel the improvements can be made. Hopefully when he returns he'll have gained from that time out and becomes a better keeper for it. "We've seen it in the past with other keepers at other clubs - sometimes that little period out can really help. I'm confident that'll be the case with Simon, according to the Guardian. "I haven't lost any belief in him - he's still an outstanding goalkeeper. I'm sure when the time comes for him to come back in, he'll be a better goalkeeper for it." Rodgers, however, has made no decision on when that day will come. "I'll make my mind up on that at the right time," Rodgers added. "At this moment in time, Simon is just working hard to get back into the team." Brad Jones has stood in for the last three matches and although he has conceded six goals already his appearance has coincided with an upturn in performances after Rodgers switched to a 3-4-3 formation. Jones is out of contract in the summer and spoke this week about wanting to earn a new deal, but Rodgers just wants him to concentrate on his matches, with Burnley next up on Boxing Day. "Over his career here he has been No3, No2 goalkeeper and when called upon has come in and done very well," said the Liverpool manager. "He is a very loyal goalkeeper, he is an important member of our squad. "He didn't play a lot last season but he still does his work with maximum intensity every day. They are a close-knit group, the goalkeepers, and they have worked and supported each other."