We're playing for our future, warns Downing
Liverpool's Stewart Downing says every player at the club must work hard to convince manager Brendan Rodgers to retain them at the end of the season.
By FOX SPORTS Staff
The Reds have been in underwhelming form this season, picking up only 36 points from 25 games, and they currently find themselves eighth in the table, 12 points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur.
However, one of the bright spots for Liverpool this season has been the form of winger Downing, who finally showed some of the same form he did when playing for previous club Aston Villa which convinced the Reds to shell out approximately £20 million for his services in 2011.
Downing revealed that it was the fear for his future at the club which prompted him to step up his game, and the England international has advised his team-mates to do the same from now till the end of the season or risk getting shipped out during the summer.
"You've seen it over the last couple of weeks, if you don't perform then you won't play and I've got to do well in every game because he's going to strengthen again," Downing was quoted as saying by the Sun.
"But competition for places is good and it has brought out the best in some players, including myself.
"If he does strengthen it'll be good for the team but if I keep doing well then he can't leave me out."
Downing also admitted that his future with the Reds hung in the balance at one point of time, but the former Middlesbrough player has now established himself as an integral part of the team following his recent improved performances, and the 29-year-old claimed he was looking forward to staying at the club for the remainder of his contract.
"I had a discussion where I could have left, but I didn't want to," Downing added.
"That conversation probably was the last chance because he was looking at bringing players in.
"He missed out on a couple who'd have played in my position, which helped me get a chance.
"I'm 29 in the summer. I've got two or three years left on my contract and I'd like to see them out."
Downing will likely feature for Liverpool when they take on West Brom in their next Premier League fixture.