Kolo Toure is confident Simon Mignolet is good enough to be Liverpool number one for a very long time.

The Belgian goalkeeper has come under criticism in recent times but his apparent sub-par performances have not changed defender Toure's assessment of his teammate.

"I'm not surprised Simon is playing so well because I knew he was a great goalkeeper," Toure told the Liverpool Echo.

"Every player has tough times. It's about how you respond to that and his response has been fantastic. He has been working hard and doing the right things.

"He has proved he's the No 1 and he can be here at Liverpool for many years.

"Not only does he make big saves but he's also not scared of taking responsibility and coming to take the ball from crosses.

"It's amazing when you have a goalkeeper like that who commands his box. His form has been great and I'm really pleased for Simon. We need to help him by defending well in front of him."