By Dominic King

PUBLISHED: 17:46 EST, 16 November 2012 | UPDATED: 17:46 EST, 16 November 2012

Brendan Rodgers is ready to re-launch Pepe Reina's season but has warned the goalkeeper he is facing the biggest challenge of his Liverpool career.

Reina has missed the last seven games with a hamstring problem that he initially sustained on internatinal duty but, now he is fit again, the Spaniard is poised to replace Brad Jones between the posts for Saturday's game against Wigan Athletic.

Close eye: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Pepe Reina

Close eye: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Pepe Reina

Jones has not done much wrong during Reina's spell on the sidelines and the fact Rodgers is facing a decision to make about who to play has shown how much things have changed for him.

Since arriving at Liverpool from Villarreal in the summer of 2005, Reina has been the automatic choice as No 1 but while Rodgers has no doubt doubts about his ability, he wants to see an improvement in his form.

'I have no doubt with Pepe Reina,' said Rodgers. 'He has been very impressive since I came here and it's all about confidence. It happens to every goalkeeper. Look at Joe Hart against Sweden.

'He didn't seem to have that same happiness and physicality he had a few months. I have one of the top goalkeepers in the world, a top guy who is intent on making himself a better keeper and when we have that we have one of the best in Europe.

Focused: Reina during training

Focused: Reina during training

'He is really committed to his work, a model professional. I have been talking regularly with him to help him get back to the levels that he wants to be at. Pepe is determined to be a top goalkeeper here for next the nine or 10 years.'

There was a spell a couple of seasons ago when Reina was undoubtedly the best in the Barclays Premier League but his form has dipped over the last 18 months yet Rodgers feels the improvement Jones has made can actually help the 30-year-old back to where he once was.

'It's important for any player to know they have a challenge,' said Rodgers. 'Brad had been here two years and played four games, once from the bench. He's played ten games this season and done well, which is a credit to him.

'When I arrived he was number three but he has stepped up to the plate and I've seen great improvements in him over these months. He's shown that in his performances, so whatever happens we have a goalkeeper who has grown in confidence.'

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Here's your chance Arsene, grab him in January!!

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I agreed Brad Jones really stood up. He was a bag of nerves in the FA Cup semi last year. Well done!

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Dodgiest GK in the League for 2 years.

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He's no. 25.

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Pepe has been a bit of dodgy of late.

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Get rid of his clown, he has cost us points already this season and was terrible the whole of last

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Pepe has been very solid ( and done a great job ) for the Pool over the years and has been very comfortable at being No 1 for us, it won't do any harm for him to feel his position is under threat from Brad Jones as every player needs competition for their place on the team, YWNA, JFT96...

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Go spend on Marc Andre ter Stegen (quality german youth) and with the right chaps in front of him......he would push Reina (who has to be one of the most trophy lucky guys in the world of football) 26 games in 7 years and three major trophies......Has he played a competitive moment in any of that success?? Failing that Given as a cheap option or Butland (for the future) would make a great backup plan...... (oh spend big on Isco, Debauchy/Abate, Schurrle, Huntelaar/Llorente, M'Vila & Strootman)

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