Downing: I'll fight for my place
Stewart Downing is committed to fighting for his place in the Liverpool side and the 28-year-old has set his sights on a starting berth against Udinese.
Downing admits he is disappointed at not featuring as a first-team regular so far this season. However, he is keen to play some part in tonight's Europa League clash and hopes the side will thrive on another atmospheric European night at Anfield.
"Hopefully I'll start and if I do it will be an opportunity to show the manager that I'm here to fight," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I saw Udinese play the other day against Milan and they are a decent side.
"They have had a similar start in the league to us and are a similar sort of team. They like to move the ball around and it will be a tough test for us.
"For any of our young lads who are involved it will be a great experience for them to be part of a European night at Anfield where the atmosphere is always great.
"I'm looking forward to it and hopefully I'll play a part in us getting another win. I love playing for Liverpool and it's a great club with great fans.
"I don't want to leave and I don't want to play for anyone else. I'm enjoying it here. Yes, I'm disappointed that I'm not in the team at the moment but football is a funny game.
"I'll fight for my place here. I have done that since I was 10 years old when I was trying to get through at Middlesbrough.
"I fought very hard when I was at Aston Villa to do well for them and get a good move to Liverpool. The only thing I can do is keep working hard and when the chances come, make sure I take them.
"Things can quickly change. This time next month I could be playing every week."
The clash against Udinese, currently 15th in the Serie A, could provide another opportunity for Reds fans to glimpse some of the young talents who are intent on forcing their way into the manager's plans.
Many of them already have, as was proven when Suso, Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling, who has been a near-constant in the Reds side this season, started against Norwich last weekend.
"They have done very well," said Downing. "Raheem is only young and has probably got his chance earlier than he thought but he has taken it with both hands. Fair play to him.
"Suso has played less games but started last weekend in a good win at Norwich. They both have talent and they have to keep improving and working hard.
"It's important for the club that every player in the squad is fighting for a place. If you're not performing you know you'll be taken out."