Stewart Downing to fight for Liverpool place

Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing has insisted that he will fight for his place in the starting lineup at Anfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers had stated that he believes Downing needs to show more "hunger and desire" for the club, but Downing has hit back by claiming that he loves playing for Liverpool.

Downing said: "I was disappointed by what was said but if that's the way the manager sees it, I have to take it. That's fine. I'll fight, I'll fight every day.

"I haven't even considered the idea of leaving. I've got three years left on my contract and I intend to see that through. In fact, I want to stay even longer than that.

"I love playing for Liverpool and it's a great club with great fans. I don't want to play for anyone else."

Downing has only started one Premier League game for Liverpool this season.