• Premier League

Downing ready to fight for Liverpool starting berth

ESPN staff
August 3, 2011
Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni speak to the media © PA Photos
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New signing Stewart Downing has admitted he faces a battle on his hands to tie down a regular starting place at Liverpool this season, revealing his priority is "getting in the team".

Downing, who was bought from Aston Villa for £20 million, joins fellow new midfield acquisitions Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam and goalkeeper Alexander Doni at Anfield, where there is a growing belief the club are assembling a squad that is capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

With the new arrivals certain to give Kenny Dalglish a selection headache, Downing is desperate to show his worth and establish himself in the manager's first XI.

When asked what the biggest challenge facing him was, Downing said: "To get in the team to start with. There are so many good players here; it's a challenge because obviously we want to finish as high as possible in the league. I've got to get in the team and play well.

"I think there's a buzz around the place, they did well at the back end of last season. There's new signings here, they're playing under a great manager and I think the club's on the up and I want to be a part of that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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