Stewart Downing says Liverpool feel they can set themselves up for a major push in the second-half of the season with a successful festive programme.

The Reds now head for Wigan Athletic on Wednesday hoping to continue their excellent form on the road and build up a great run of results over the busy festive period.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "It's an exciting time and a big period for us and you can nick points here, there and everywhere. We've got some tough games and hopefully we can pick up maximum points.

"I think all season we have played quite well. I know some results haven't gone for us but apart from Tottenham we've done reasonably well.

"We've got a good squad, there's a lot of people fighting for places which is good and also very good for the manager."