Everton legend Neville Southall has jumped to the defence of underfire Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Wales great Southall believes the Spaniard, 30, who moved to Anfield from Villarreal in 2005, has proved himself a level above his counterparts at other clubs in the top flight.

Southall told the Daily Star Sunday: "If I had to sign one Premier League goalkeeper, it would be Pepe. Even though he's had a dodgy start to the season, I just like the way he plays.

"Joe Hart has come on a ton, Brad Friedel and Shay Given are the Rolls-Royces of the league, Petr Cech's had an up- and-down time in the last couple of seasons while Michel Vorm has done really well.

"But if I was a young goalkeeper looking to study someone, I'd tell them to look no further than Pepe. His distribution is so good and so comfortable - and his first thought is to always attack and be positive.

"Pepe has made a couple of errors but he always makes a few during a season. Every goalie does.

"If you play for a lesser team it doesn't matter but because he plays in a city like Liverpool - it does.

"But he never hides. He's positive every week and that is the best quality of a goalkeeper.

"You will mess up now and again. That's just the job. You're only as good as your last save but Pepe always bounces back."