Downing eyes cup final start

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing hopes his impressive display against Brighton on Sunday will get him a Carling Cup final starting berth.

Downing was a constant threat down Liverpool’s left and received a standing ovation when Kenny Dalglish substituted him with 15 minutes to go.

It wasn’t only the Anfield crowd who were pleased with his showing, Downing admitted being happy with his contribution and hopes it will give Dalglish a selection headache ahead of the Reds tie with Cardiff City at Wembley this weekend.

“Competition for places is tough here. I'm sure it's great for the manager and it gives him a headache,” he told Liverpool’s official website.

“We have got options all over the park, everyone wants to play in the starting XI, and it's good for the club.”

Liverpool thrashed the south coast side 6-1 yesterday and three of the six goals were put into their own net by defenders.

It was a stark difference to the Carling Cup tie between the two that Liverpool could only just edge 2-1 in Falmer.

Downing had found goals and assists hard to come by so far this season but he managed to put one on a plate for similarly beleaguered striker Andy Carroll to make the score 3-1.