Monday 29 August 2016 10:01, UK
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet brushed off any suggestions that he is feeling the pressure amid speculation that Manchester City's Joe Hart could be on his way to Anfield.
Loris Karius joined in the summer from Mainz before breaking his hand in a pre-season friendly, opening the door for Mignolet to start the season as Liverpool's No 1 - but six goals conceded in three games has reignited talk of Liverpool signing another goalkeeper.
Reports in the British press have linked Hart with a move to Merseyside following the arrival of Claudio Bravo at the Etihad but Mignolet, speaking on Goals on Sunday, said that he is not distracted by the transfer rumours.
The Belgium international said: "There is no point looking over my shoulder, I have to look in the mirror and look at myself. If I keep performing then there is nothing to worry about.
"I think speculation is part of being at a big club like Liverpool. I think every day another player gets linked and that's not going to change, so I'm used to that."
Mignolet stressed that he has not felt the need to seek assurances from Jurgen Klopp over his future at the club and welcomes the competition.
"I just keep my head down and work hard," he said. "Competition for places is good. You need that throughout the team because you're going to have suspensions and injuries and everybody needs to be able to step up when needed"
Mignolet will now join up with the Belgium squad ahead of Thursday's friendly with Spain for the first game under new manager Roberto Martinez, before they kick of their World Cup qualification campaign against Cyprus in Nicosia.
Mignolet admitted Martinez's appointment was somewhat of a surprise but said he was excited about the former Everton manager's arrival.
He added: "Nobody really expected it in Belgium but at the same time I think everybody in the squad is looking forward to work with him."
