Karius: "I can imagine staying at Union"

The former Mainz shot-stopper joined Union at the end of the summer window on loan from the English Premier League champions but was made to wait until January for his Bundesliga debut with the club, with Andreas Luthe still preferred as the club's No.1.

Luthe was recently given compassionate leave after an illness in his family, which has opened the door for Karius who, with three clean sheets and just one goal conceded in his four league appearances, appears to have taken his chance with both hands.

"We haven't lost the last three games and we have worked well as a team, I'm very proud," Karius told Bild. "The coach knows that I'm there. If he needs me, he can rely on me. I can only say that I'm in top shape and I am satisfied with my last performance.

"I don't know who's in goal, before time. Our coach Urs Fischer sets up the team. Conceding one goal in three games isn't a bad rate, so I'm ready and want to help the team."

The 27-year-old goalkeeper's move to Union came on the back of a two-year loan at Besiktas after losing his place in the Liverpool team under Jürgen Klopp following his disappointing performance in their 2017/18 UEFA Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Watch: Karius: "I've made it difficult for the coach now"

Karius, who is on loan with Union until the end of the season alongside Liverpool-owned teammate Taiwo Awoniyi, doesn't see Die Eisernen merely as being the next short-stay destination in his career, though, and can see a bright future at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei.

"I still have a contract with Liverpool until 2022," Karius said. "But, of course, I can imagine staying in Berlin if everything goes well.

"I'm not just passing through here. I’m just a down-to-earth guy, and the mentality of the people and the spirit of the team here are good for me."