Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar is confident Loris Karius can step up to the next level with the Reds, having studied the goalkeeper closely since last season.

The former Reds shot-stopper was well aware of Karius’ potential and quality before he made his move from Bundesliga side Mainz in the off-season.

Grobbelaar has been monitoring Karius’ ability after he was voted the second-best goalkeeper player in the Bundesliga behind Manuel Neuer, and he believes the 23-year-old’s performance will improve.

‘I’ve been watching Karius since last season when he was with Mainz,’ Grobbelaar told the Liverpool website.

‘For him to come second to Neuer in the Bundesliga was a great achievement. He is one for the future.

‘I hope he can go on to do what I did – and I’m sure he definitely can step up to the next level, which is keeping clean sheets and coming for more crosses.’

Liverpool will travel to St Mary’s Stadium to take on Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

Kick-off has been set for 17:00.