Liverpool winger Stewart Downing insists he's now reaching his best.

Downing has been criticised for his form this season.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was very nice to hear. The manager has been really good to me from the first day I came. He's given me lots of confidence - and it's the same with every other player.

"He's great to play for. That's all you want as a player - a manager who is honest with you, who gives you the confidence to go out and play.

"I started quite brightly, then was in and out, and now I'm starting to pick up form again.

"I want to play all the time but the only way I can do that is to play well. I've got to get my head down and work hard, and the last couple of weeks I'm pleased with how it's gone personally."