Liverpool winger Stewart Downing says Cardiff City deserve credit for their performance in the Carling Cup final.

Downing was quick to heap praise on Malky Mackay's Cardiff, who proved fierce competition and made life extremely difficult for Liverpool during an intense 120 minutes of football on Sunday night.

"It was an unbelievable day," the No.19 told liverpoolfc.tv. "We played some good football but Cardiff took the lead. We created a lot of chances and I thought we weren't going to finish it off.

"They pushed us all the way. It was a terrific game for the fans - but not for us as players! I'm just glad we won in the end. It was brilliant.

"You could see how happy Carra and Stevie were and they've won trophies in the past, so you can imagine how happy we were. It's a great day for the club."