Mignolet has been ever present for Sunderland this season

Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet believes they can bounce back from Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat by West Ham when they face Liverpool.

Four points from six in the Premier League against Manchester City and Arsenal has given Mignolet confidence in his team-mates despite the cup exit.

Mignolet told BBC Newcastle: "It's a huge game again against Liverpool.

"The games we've played against top teams we've got points in and hopefully we can repeat that on Saturday."

The Black Cats' visit to Anfield will be a long-awaited experience for the Belgium international, who followed English football closely as a boy.

Since arriving as understudy to the injured Craig Gordon from St Truiden during pre-season, Mignolet has gone on to establish himself as a key part of the club's early season form with a string of clean sheets.

And the 22-year-old is also excited by the prospect of exchanging a few words with Liverpool's World Cup winning custodian Pepe Reina.

"When you come here and don't expect to play, but you've already played against Manchester City and Arsenal, you can go to Anfield and be happy," he added.

"You try to pick up certain things from other goalkeepers when you see them on television, and as a goalkeeper you always try to speak with your colleague.

"Obviously Pepe Reina is a great goalkeeper, so maybe I can chat with him after the game, it's an experience for me to be up against players like him."

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