Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has jumped to the defence of Loris Karius.

The German is underfire after defeat at Bournemouth.

Kirkland told talkSPORT: “It's far too early to write Karius off – he's only played ten games for Liverpool.

“All I'll say is look what happened to David de Gea when he first went to Manchester United. He was getting regularly crucified for his performances, saying he wasn't good enough, and now look at him. Through hard work and determination he's one of the best keepers in the world.

“The fourth goal, for me – and only goalkeepers will probably understand this – everyone probably thinks it's easy, you've just got to catch it. But it's not as a straight forward a save as it seems.

Yes, he's spilled it and yes it's a mistake, but to deal with a shot which has pace, dip and swerve, they're the hardest saves. Not turning it around the post in the bottom or top corner, it's to try and hold those balls.

He's only young and he has to learn from this, but being at a club like Liverpool, it means you have to learn quick."