Liverpool Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet Backs Belgium Star Divock Origi to be Anfield Success

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has backed compatriot Divock Origi to make an impact at Anfield once he returns on loan from Lille.

Origi was thrurst into the Belgium team after Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke was ruled out of for six months in April with a ruptured tendon.

The 19-year-old had represented Belgium at every level and had played just once for the under-21s before he was called up to the full squad in May.

His goal against Russia in their Group H game helped ensure Belgium qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

While Origi was somewhat an unknown quantity to the watching world, Liverpool shot stopper Mignolet has watched him at close quarters and believes the teenage forward has what it takes to be a success on Merseyside.

His talent, Mignolet said, was clear to see to those who trained alongside him in Brazil.

"He is a very exciting player and a huge prospect, and he will have one more year with Lille," Mignolet told Liverpool's official website

"I'm sure that after that he'll play very well for Liverpool. He's got a huge future ahead of him. I wish him all the best this season and hopefully we'll see him soon.

"When we arrived with the Belgium squad, nobody had really heard about him to be honest. He played at Lille but had never been called up for the full squad, just the U21s."

Brendan Rodgers and his scouts had been watching Origi since his days in the Belgium youth team and Liverpool eventually bought the striker last month.

He has returned to Ligue 1 club Lille for the 2014/15 season and marked his return to the club with a goal from the penalty spot against Caen.