Liverpool ace Sadio Mane is confident Ibrahima Konate is set for a big season.

The French centre-back caught the eye during pre-season with a handful of assured performances at the heart of defence.

And Mane believes Konate has had few issues integrating himself into Jurgen Klopp's first-team set-up.

"He is a very nice lad and from the first day he was with us I was really surprised because it was like he has been here for years," said the Reds forward.

"With myself that was not the case because I am a bit shy, but he just came in and settled straightaway which is really important.

"You could see in pre-season that he was doing well from the start and we are really, really happy to have him.

"I feel this year he will have a great season for Liverpool."