The goalkeeper was demoted for Liverpool’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United after a string of below-par performances, but played the crucial Champions League clash with Basel

QPR goalkeeper Rob Green has questioned the timing of Simon Mignolet’s dropping at Liverpool, but backed him to come back stronger.

Brendan Rodgers left the Belgian out of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford following a string of below-par performances, with Brad Jones promoted for the 3-0 loss.

Afterwards Rodgers admitted that Mignolet will be left out “indefinitely”, and Green feels the decision was “strange” after the manager allowed the keeper to play the crucial Champions League game against Basel.

“How do you define indefinitely? It’s indeterminate – maybe he’ll be back sooner than you’d expect,” he told Sky Sports.

“At some point keepers need a time out – it’s strange keeping him for the Champions League and removing him straight afterwards when he didn’t do a lot wrong, but that’s the manager’s decision.

“Simon will work hard and come back stronger.

“Clearly he’s got the ability and clearly the manager believes in him – he signed him – but when times are tough the manager may take stock behind the scenes and say ‘now’s the time to give him a rest’.

“It’s happened to me, it’s happened to every goalkeeper.”