Stewart Downing is hopeful his Anzhi stunner has bolstered his chances of figuring in Brendan Rodgers' plans for Sunday's Merseyside derby showdown with Everton.

The 28-year-old fired the only goal of Thursday's Europa League victory over the Russian side when he cut in from the left flank and drilled an unstoppable right-foot drive into the Kop end goal on 53 minutes.

It capped a fine performance from Downing and Rodgers was eager for the No.19 to take the acclaim of the home fans following the full-time whistle.

Afterwards, he told Liverpoolfc.com: "I don't think I've scored many goals better than that!

"It was a good goal and I was very happy with it. It was a good three points too because they made it hard for us and it was looking as though it would probably be a long-range strike that would win the game.

"We'd tried everything and they were tough to break down. It was frustrating at times, but it was a good win and a good night for us in the end."

Asked whether that was the best way to stake his claim for more action, Downing replied: "I think so. The only way you can prove yourself to the manager is out on the field and by playing well, getting goals and assists.

"I'm happy. Obviously I don't know what the team will be for Sunday, but hopefully I've given him [Rodgers] a little bit of food for thought."

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Having began the game in a more familiar right-wing position, Downing played the entire second 45 at left-back after Glen Johnson was substituted at half-time.

However, the former Aston Villa man insists he is happy to fill in wherever the manager sees fit.

"I enjoyed it [at left-back]," reflected Downing. "I've enjoyed playing there before.

"Glen was struggling with a bit of a niggle at half-time and we didn't want to risk him. I'll go to left-back, no problem. That's where I got the goal from and it was a good night all round."

Victory over Anzhi took Liverpool to the top of Europa League Group A with three games played, but attentions will now turn to Sunday's mouth-watering trip to Goodison Park.

Everton have made a flying start to 2012-13 and currently sit in fourth position in the Barclays Premier League.

However, the Reds will journey across Stanley Park on the back of successive 1-0 Anfield victories - and Downing insists confidence is high amongst the squad.

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He said: "We're in a good position [in the Europa League], but we'll put it to bed for now and concentrate on the game on Sunday. We've got good momentum going into the game.

"We've got back-to-back wins and confidence is high at the moment - but as they say, form goes out of the window in a derby.

"It's a big game and the crowd is going to be right behind Everton, but we look forward to it. We won there last season, so hopefully we can do that again.

"For our league position, it will be very important to get the three points. Everton have got off to a good start this season, they've got some good players and seem to have some momentum.

"We'll see how it goes on Sunday, but we're confident we can get a result there."