Thibaut Courtois: 'Simon Mignolet must respect me'

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has slammed compatriot Simon Mignolet for stating that he intends on displacing him as Belgium's number one before the World Cup.

The Liverpool shot-stopper recently expressed a desire to edge ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order for the competition in June.

However, Courtois - who has been his nation's number one since Marc Wilmots took charge in 2012 - has advised his rival to adopt a similar approach as his Spanish counterparts and shelve his individual ambition.

He told Sport/Foot Magazine: "In Spain, I hear no goalkeeper saying they're aiming for the place of Casillas. Not De Gea, not Valdes, not Reina. It's the opposite - they back Casillas.

"Simon can say whatever he wants, but I think I've already saved enough points for Belgium and I'm playing good games for Atletico. He has to stay humble and respectful."

The Belgian youngster - on loan in the Spanish capital from Chelsea - has earned 14 caps for his country.