Downing: Let's send fan message

The Reds head to the north-east this weekend aiming to return to winning ways, and the England winger feels the mood within the camp at Melwood this week has been one of determination to show a positive response at the Sports Direct Arena against the high-flying Magpies.

Downing told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think it's very important (there's a reaction). The last game was very disappointing to lose at Anfield.

"It's a big game for us and the good thing about football is there is always a game a couple of days away to put it right - and that is what we're looking to do at Newcastle.

"The mood in training has been good. We had a chat when we came in and said we would not dwell on the Wigan result.

"We have to be right for Newcastle because it's going to be a tough game for us, but one I think we can win."

Liverpool have eight games left in the Barclays Premier League this season, as well as an FA Cup semi-final against Everton to look forward to next month.

Downing believes the Reds are aiming to deliver a clear message to Kopites between now and the end of the campaign.

"We are trying our best for them and we're trying to win every game," he said.

"The message to the fans is we never give up, we'll always keep going and we're trying to give them the best finish we can to the end of the season. We're still in a cup competition as well, so there's a lot to play for."

Sunday's game will pit the Barclays Premier League's sixth and seventh-placed teams against each other.

Liverpool are currently eight points behind Newcastle, who have surpassed all pre-season expectations with an impressive campaign so far.

Nonetheless, the Reds will go out with the intention of taking the game to their hosts, according to Downing.

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"I think they have (exceeded expectations), considering they lost four or five of their best players and everyone thought it was going to be doom and gloom," said the England winger.

"But credit to Newcastle and Alan Pardew. He went out and bought well - and to be honest bought a few unknown players who have come in and done a very good job.

"We'll have to be on our guard against them because they've proven this season they can beat anyone and that's why they are where they are in the league. They're a good team.

"But we're always confident at Liverpool we can win anywhere we go. We've had some disappointing results, but we're always confident we can win the next game.

"With the players we have here and the mentality in the squad, no matter what ground we go to we think we can win. It's a great asset to have."

Demba Ba has proven one of the star men of Newcastle's campaign, netting 16 goals following his free transfer from West Ham United last summer.

Pardew further bolstered his strike-force with the acquisition of Papiss Cisse in January, and Downing knows keeping the duo quiet could be key to three points for the Reds.

The 27-year-old said: "Demba Ba has had a terrific season. He was signed on a free transfer and could possibly be one of the signings of the season, especially in terms of the return of goals he's given them.

"Cisse has scored a couple of good goals since he went there and looks quite lively.

"Newcastle is a tough place to play and they'll be looking to finish the season strongly in front of their home fans.

"But I'm looking forward to it and if we can keep those two quiet then we've got a good chance. We just need to play our football - we proved that when we played them at Anfield. They were on a good run of form then, but we ended up beating them 3-1 and played them off the park.

"We've got to play our own game and go at them. They've got a few injuries, and we're starting to get players back fit and the squad is looking strong again. I'm confident we can go there and win.

"If we keep playing our game, with a little bit more luck we'll be fine."

Leading Liverpool's line could be former Newcastle forward Andy Carroll.

If selected, the No.9 might be joined in the starting XI by another former Magpie, Jose Enrique, on what will be the duo's first return to the Sports Direct Arena.

Downing claims going back to a former club can sometimes provide additional motivation for a player.

"I spoke to Andy and Jose the other day and they're looking forward to going back," he said.

"Probably more so Andy with him being a local lad. I'm sure he's looking forward to playing against his mates in his hometown.

"They're just generally excited about going back. I had the same feeling a couple of months ago going back to Aston Villa - you do get that extra excitement playing against your old team. You want to prove why you moved on and why you joined this club by winning the game.

"I was fortunate enough to get a win at Villa Park and we won convincingly. I'm sure Andy and Jose are looking for the same thing. It'd be nice for us to get a win for them."