Stewart Downing hopes his match-winning display against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League win will lead to a place in the starting line-up when Liverpool meet local rivals Everton at the weekend. A frustrating spell on Merseyside has seen him struggle to live up to expectations since his big-money move from Aston Villa.
"It was satisfying to get the goal but the win was the most important thing," Downing said in the Liverpool Echo.
"The only way you can prove yourself to the manager is out on the field. All I can do is score goals and try to play well.
"I want to be playing in the Premier League and I'd love to play in the derby. Hopefully I've given the manager food for thought.
"We've got a big squad and the lads have done well recently so I'm not sure if the manager will change things.
"But I'm ready and waiting for a chance and when it comes I have to make sure I take it."
