Downing: We thrive on pressure

Winger Stewart Downing insists the players thrive on the pressure of expectation which comes with representing a club like Liverpool.

The England international is among a number of Kenny Dalglish's signings who have yet to find their best form, although the 27-year-old's performances have picked up in recent weeks and he scored the winner against Stoke in the FA Cup quarter-final. It was only his second goal since his £20million move from Aston Villa last July.

Downing accepts the settling-in period may be taking longer than anticipated but believes that should not mask the good things which have been achieved this season. He said: "This is a bit of a transition time for the club. A lot of new players have come in and it's the manager's first full season but I think we have done ever so well."

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