Simon Mignolet has marvelled at the longevity of Steven Gerrard's Anfield career - and backed the Reds' skipper to continue to be the heartbeat of the current Liverpool side.

Tomorrow marks 15 years to the day a young Gerrard made his first appearance for the club as a 90th minute substitute against Blackburn.

Mignolet has had just five months of working alongside the England captain at Melwood, but insists he's seen enough to convince him that Gerrard has many years left at the top.

"To spend 15 years playing for Liverpool Football Club is a remarkable achievement," Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo.

"It's a great credit to Steven that he has remained at the highest level for so long and he's still such an important player for us.

"The fact that he's still so fit and runs as many miles as he does during games shows you how well he has looked after himself.

"It's not only what he does on the pitch but the way he is off it as well. He's a gentleman. He has achieved so much in his career and I wish him many more years at Liverpool.

"Look at the quality he produced against Everton - he's been doing that for 15 years and I'm sure he will continue in that way for years to come."

Mignolet got his first taste of the Merseyside derby at the weekend as the Reds played out a pulsating 3-3 draw against the Blues at Goodison Park.

The Belgian turned in arguably his most impressive display since joining the club in the summer as he thwarted Everton time and again in a frenetic encounter.

"So much happened in the derby," reflected Mignolet. "I'm pleased to have been part of one and I hope to be part of many more in the future.

Watch the video here »

"I'm not the kind of player to get carried away by the occasion anyway but it's always nice to have that first one behind you so you know what's coming in the future.

"It's not often as a keeper that you concede three goals and make nine saves in the same game.

"I am happy I helped the team out - that's what I am there for. Hopefully I can keep doing that.

"But more important than anything I did in the game was Daniel Sturridge's equaliser. If he hadn't scored that header, no-one would have been talking about the saves I made.

"But we got a point and that has kept Everton away from us in the table. We need to make sure we build on that against Hull. If we win on Sunday then that result against Everton will look good for us."