Mignolet won't accept role as Liverpool's No. 2

Simon Mignolet isn't willing to pretend he's content with his role as Loris Karius' backup at Liverpool.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has opted to deploy Karius - who joined Liverpool from German side Mainz during the summer - in goal for the better part of a month, with Mignolet limited to playing in cup matches such as Liverpool's victory over Tottenham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

The match was Mignolet's first since Sept. 16, with the Belgian making it clear afterward, despite the win, that he's not happy with his role.

"I don't want to be a No. 2, that's clear. I want to play," he said after the match, according to Paul Vinnell of Sky Sports. "I will never give up fighting because that's not in my character to just give up.

"Secondly, because I am not in a situation where I can sit on the bench. I'm 28 years old and I want to play week in, week out.

"So I'll work hard and I'll never give up - giving up is not what I want to do. I see it as a challenge that I can overcome. So hopefully it will be a fair challenge based on performances put in on the pitch."

The Belgian 'keeper lost his place as Liverpool's preferred choice between the pipes after breaking his hand at the start of the season.

Klopp reasserted Karius's role as the team's No. 1 before Tuesday's match in an effort to dispel any doubt, and explained the dilemma as a "luxury."

However, Mignolet is determined to win his job back by continuing to make the most of his opportunities.

"I don't want to think about that. It's not in my character," Mignolet said. "I will always support the team and the club. Hopefully I can get my chance again to show what I can do. I am happy with my performance against Tottenham.

"I will keep fighting to get my place back … to be honest, the only thing I can do is work hard, keep my head down."