Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has praised Simon Mignolet for the attitude that the goalkeeper adopted when he was dropped back in December.

The Belgian keeper was axed by Brendan Rodgers in favour of Brad Jones, but returned to the side when the Australian pulled up injured in the 1-0 win over Burnley on Boxing Day.

Toure told the club's official website that he was impressed with how his teammate handled being left out of the side.

The Ivorian said: "When he was not starting the games, Simon was still the one in the gym, working harder and preparing his game just as he used to.

"When Brad was injured, he came straight back in and he took his place again. That's all about mentality. That's all about when you have a tough time how you fight to come back.

"I was confident that he would return to this level. I always talked to him because we both speak French. He's a guy who will never give up. He's the guy who comes every morning and works hard - he never changes."

Mignolet's return to form has coincided with a run that has seen Liverpool take 23 points from a possible 27 in the Premier League this calendar year.