Liverpool winger Stewart Downing happy to play anywhere for Anfield outfit

Stewart Downing: Liverpool winger has been employed at left-back by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has admitted he would be happy to fill any role in the side as he looks to secure a starting berth against Sunderland.

The England international has seen action on the right-wing and at left-back so far this season under new Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers.

Raheem Sterling's emergence for the Reds this term has increased the competition for places on the flanks and Downing, who came off the bench in the home defeat by Arsenal, believes his own versatility could be an asset this term.

"Hopefully a little cameo role against Arsenal will get me a start against Sunderland," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I just want to play, I want to do well and hopefully I can have a good season.

"I think for me it's a case of being adaptable and playing anywhere. In the modern game, you have to be able to play in two or three positions.

"First and foremost, I'm an attacking player but if the manager needs me to help out at the back then I'm willing to do so."

Downing admits his switch to a more defensive role poses a different challenge to what he is used to, but the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa man is not completely alien to the position.

"(Playing left-back) has been demanding," he added. "I was up and down the wing and it involved a lot of running but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As long as you are involved in the game and get plenty of the ball, you tend to enjoy it more. If you get a result too that helps.

"I played there a few times at Aston Villa. It was on odd occasions but I played there during the UEFA Cup campaign with Middlesbrough (in 2005-06).

"That year we were always going for the win and I was playing wing-back, similar to how I have done in recent games here at Liverpool. So I think that's what the manager has seen and maybe he thinks I can do the job there."