Brendan Rodgers "delighted" for Stewart Downing

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that he is "delighted" for Stewart Downing after the winger scored the only goal in his side's 1-0 win over FC Gomel on Thursday evening.

Downing, 28, has been heavily criticised for his performances since arriving at Anfield for £20m last summer, failing to score or set up a single goal in the league last season.

However, Rodgers revealed that he included the former Middlesbrough man to increase his side's goal threat.

"I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot," said Rodgers.

Liverpool will face FC Gomel in the second leg of their Europa League tie at Anfield in a week's time.