Stewart Downing: 'I'm enjoying my best spell for Liverpool'

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.