FA Cup

Media blowing poor form out of proportion - Downing

ESPN staff

January 27, 2012 « Machida wants Henderson if Evans beats Davis | 'Bullet' sent to QPR defender Ferdinand »

Stewart Downing hasn't had everything his own way since joining Liverpool © Getty Images

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Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has hit back at claims he is under-performing at the club, insisting his form is on the up.

Downing moved to Anfield in a £20 summer switch from Aston Villa but, despite his growing reputation, the new arrival has struggled to make an impact since his big-money transfer.

While his service to the strikers has been commendable - he's created 41 chances in 21 Premier League fixtures, his sole goal in 26 appearances came against League One Oldham in the last round of the FA Cup.

Kenny Dalglish has questioned the commitment of some of his players and, although not necessarily aimed at Downing, it is clear the pressure is mounting on the club's most expensive summer signing. However, Downing says he is not taking notice of any criticism coming his way.

"The media do build things up a lot more than we do here, but that's the way football is," said the 27-year-old. "I just get my head down - whatever is said is said, there's nothing you can do about it.

"I started quite brightly, then was in and out, and now I'm starting to pick up form again. I want to play all the time but the only way I can do that is to play well. I've got to get my head down and work hard, and the last couple of weeks I'm pleased with how it's gone personally.

"As long as the manager is happy with me, and the club and the players, then that's fine by me. The manager has been really good to me from the first day I came. He's given me lots of confidence - and it's the same with every other player.

"He's great to play for. That's all you want as a player - a manager who is honest with you, who gives you the confidence to go out and play."

Downing is likely to be involved in the FA Cup clash with Manchester United on Saturday, with a place in the fifth round up for grabs. And the winger is hopeful their Carling Cup triumph over Manchester City will give them the confidence to get one over their arch rivals at Anfield.

"It's a massive game against Manchester United and you have to start well against a big team because if they get early goals it's hard to get back into the game," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We have to do that because top players hurt you if you're not on your guard. We've set a good standard against City. As a team we should go out and be really confident playing against United that we can beat them."

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