The keeper played every minute of Sunderland’s campaign last year but faces a fight with Pepe Reina for the Anfield club’s No.1 jersey

Simon Mignolet has warned Pepe Reina that he has not joined Liverpool to sit on the bench, and expects to be played this season.

The 25-year-old moved to Anfield from Sunderland for a reported £9 million fee in June and has signed a long-term deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side after playing every minute of Sunderland’s Premier League campaign last term.

Mignolet will now compete for the No.1 shirt with Spaniard Reina, who has missed just 20 league games for Liverpool in eight seasons with the club and affirmed his determination to become first choice.

“I’m not here to be sitting and resting. I’m here to come and progress, and play,” he said.

“The only thing I can do is train hard, show the manager that I’m ready for it and in the games when I get my chance I have to be there and be ready.

“Competition is something I have had at every single club.

“It’s a challenge that can make you better and stronger and I will just try and do my best.”

Mignolet has 13 Belgium caps to his name and impressed last season, despite Sunderland’s battle against relegation, keeping 11 clean sheets in 38 appearances.