BR: Simon will return an improved keeper
Brendan Rodgers believes Simon Mignolet will ultimately become an improved goalkeeper for his current spell out of the team after the boss recently handed the gloves to Brad Jones.
Jones was awarded a first Barclays Premier League start since March 2013 when he began Liverpool's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
The Australian stopper has since retained a berth in the line-up for the Reds' following two fixtures against Bournemouth and Arsenal.
Mignolet had previously figured in every minute of every league game since he joined the club from Sunderland in June 2013.
However, Rodgers feels an opportunity for the Belgian to reflect and analyse his own performances will prove beneficial in helping the custodian enhance his game - and the manager has been delighted by his reaction so far.
Speaking to journalists at a pre-Burnley press conference at Melwood, the boss said: "Brad has come into the team and over his career at Liverpool he's been the number two goalkeeper, but when called upon he has come in and done very well.
"Certainly in my first season, he played quite a number of games and did very well - and it's been the same since he's come in [this season].
"He's a very loyal goalkeeper, loves working here at the club, and when he's asked to come in he fulfills that duty very, very well. He's an important member of our squad.
"In terms of Simon, his response has been fantastic. People think him coming out of the team would have a negative affect around the group and whatnot, but he's been outstanding. His training has been really good and we're analysing the parts of his game where we think 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], whose 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."
Rodgers was also eager to praise Jones's professionalism and dedication to the Liverpool cause which has meant that despite spending much of his Anfield career as a second-choice goalkeeper, he's always been ready when called upon.
"Brad is in the team at the moment and has done well in the games he has played in," he added. "The one thing that really impresses me about him is he is consistent right the way through.
"You need your number two goalkeeper to be loyal and then, when called upon, to come in and work well. That's what I see with him, right the way through the full season.
"He didn't play a lot last season, but he still does his work every day with maximum intensity on the training field. He's in the gym doing his work religiously every day.
"Some players might get disheartened because the reality is footballers play football for the game - that's the integral part of it all. But he's a wonderful professional, looks after his body really well, prepares himself well and so when he's called upon, he can come in and do a very good job.
"He's offering great support to Simon. The goalkeepers are a close-knit group and they've worked, helped and supported each other right the way through.
"Brad has come in and done well, and Simon has been very impressive in how he's responded since he came out of the team."
After making the initial decision to hand Jones a run in the team, Rodgers said the Australian would be first-choice for an 'indefinite' period.
Journalists gathered at the club's training complex quizzed the Northern Irishman on when Mignolet could reclaim the gloves.
"I'll make my mind up on that at the right time," was Rodgers' response. "At this moment in time, Simon is just working hard to get back into the team.
"It gives him the chance to reflect and also allow him to refocus on his game. Players need that at times.
"It was on the back of a real busy period and it was a difficult moment for the team. 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."