Liverpool winger Stewart Downing is unimpressed by comments from manager Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers questioned the England winger's courage, but Downing has ­defiantly hit back and admits he was disappointed that Rodgers went public with a stinging personal attack.

And he insists he will not be forced out of the club he joined from Aston Villa for £20million just 15 months ago. "Bravery is a lot of things - it's not just about tackling," said Downing.

"That's not my game. My bravery is about taking the ball when you are losing a game and trying to create things. That's what I try to do. You will have to ask the manager exactly what he meant.

"I was surprised that he came out with what he did. I have spoken to him on numerous occasions when I wasn't in the team and that was private.

"So, of course, I'm upset. But I'm not going to go running around tackling people because that's not my game. I've got three years left on my contract and I'm going nowhere.

"I have worked hard to get here and I am not going to leave in a rush. I will fight for my place and I want to stay at Anfield."