Simon sees chance to put things right

The Reds kick off their Group B participation by welcoming Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad to Anfield, and with increased determination to perform positively.

An early strike by Gabriel Agbonlahor subjected Brendan Rodgers' charges to a 1-0 defeat on home soil two days ago - a second reversal in four games.

In between fixtures, Mignolet has pledged that the squad will immediately raise themselves for the task of beginning a European assault with three points.

"It's good for us that the next game comes so quickly as we have the chance to put things right," the goalkeeper told the Liverpool Echo.

"We have to forget about this as quickly as possible and lift ourselves for the Champions League. We have to make sure we bounce back on Tuesday night.

"Ludogorets are a bit of an unknown side for us but we have to look at ourselves. We need to make sure we improve and I'm sure we will.

"I've heard that the atmosphere at Anfield on European nights is always something special. I'm looking forward to seeing what it's going to be like.

"But our focus must be on doing our jobs and making sure we get off to a winning start. It's really important that we start the group with three points."

Reflecting further on the events of Saturday evening, the Belgian continued: "It was a frustrating night.

"If you concede early then it's very difficult in the Premier League against a team who then sit back with two lines of five.

"Aston Villa have started the season really well and once they had scored they could play their game - sit back, defend and try to protect their lead.

"We defended well after the goal but it was difficult to break them down and we couldn't create enough chances to score.

"I'm sure if we had got one goal then the game would have opened up and I'm sure we would have scored a few more and gone on to win the game.

"But we couldn't find the space and they were able to play on the counter-attack."

Rodgers was unable to call on the services of Joe Allen, Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge to take on Villa, as the trio returned from international duty with fitness concerns.

Mignolet hastened to dismiss that as an excuse for the result against the Midlands outfit, however, instead reiterating the requirement to move on speedily.

He said: "I don't think we can use the international break as an excuse. We have a big enough squad.

"Even without Daniel, we have more than enough ability to create chances and score goals.

"I don't think that's the reason why we didn't score. It was more to do with conceding early and then Villa being able to sit back.

"It's like what happened at home to Chelsea last season. It's something we have to take on the chin and move on."