Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing has insisted that the improvement of the club's form since the turn of the year has been key to improving his own performances.

The 28-year-old has often been criticised for below-par displays in a Liverpool shirt since his transfer to Anfield from Aston Villa in 2011.

He was involved in a spat with manager Brendan Rodgers at the start of the season over his commitment to the club, but after holding down a regular starting place in the last month, Downing has admitted that his own form has gradually begun to get better.

Downing told the club's official website: "The first season was patchy, I was in and out. But this year, since I came back into the side, it's been consistently quite good.

"As I said, it's probably because the team is playing quite well that it's all come together."

Downing has scored three goals in 27 appearances for Liverpool this season.