Simon: Why my spell out proved helpful
Simon Mignolet credits a brief period out of the Liverpool team in December for the confident showings he has produced between the posts in the past few weeks.
After joining the Reds in the summer of 2013, the Belgian stopper had been a league ever-present until the meeting with Manchester United midway through last month.
He watched that Barclays Premier League encounter unfold from the bench, as Brad Jones stepped in and retained the gloves to face Bournemouth and then Arsenal.
Jones was selected again for the Boxing Day trip to Burnley but an unexpected injury forced him off on the quarter-hour and heralded a return to duty for 26-year-old Mignolet.
The No.22 recorded a clean sheet at Turf Moor and has since been a contributor to improved defensive displays, including shut-outs at Sunderland and Aston Villa.
Mignolet reflects on his time out of the spotlight as a beneficial move that allowed him a chance to analyse and assess which areas could be tweaked in the search for form.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "You don't want to be out of the team, you always want to play every single game. But it gave me a chance to reflect on a few things, look back at my games and see where I could improve.
"Together with the coaching staff, the goalkeeping coach and the gaffer, I spoke about a few things which I could improve. Those few weeks gave me the time to look into those things - it's something I look back on as a positive.
"We have moved on from that and what I wanted to do when I had a chance to come back into the team was be ready to step up and do the job.
"Brad got injured against Burnley and it came a bit sooner than expected. You have to take everything as a positive and try to make sure you react and respond in a positive way - that's what I try to do.
"It was the first time I have been out of the team, and at Burnley it was also the first time I have come on as a sub. They are all new experiences.
"The older you get, you get used to them and learn from them and you can move on from that. I'm pleased with how I have responded.
"But now it's more about making sure we are together as a team and do our jobs in the next few games and the remainder of the season. There is still a lot to play for and everybody wants to do well."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers speaks regularly about the importance of working to the maximum in every training session he oversees at Melwood.
That message clearly resonates with Mignolet, who has no intention of letting up in preparation for fixtures despite reclaiming a starting berth in the side.
"There are so many things you can still improve as a 'keeper," he added. "At 26 years of age, you can improve in every single aspect of your game.
"That's what I'll keep trying to do on the training pitch - work hard, do my best and keep my head down. That's what I'll keep doing to make sure that I keep improving."