Downing Hoping for Wembley Start

The England international provided the assist for Andy Carroll’s fine goal on top of being a menace to Gus Poyet and his defenders during much of the ninety minutes.

Downing, who has been largely quiet during his time at Anfield since his £20 million move from Aston Villa last summer, will not want to be an unused substitute like he was back in 2004 when Middlesbrough triumphed over Bolton.

"It was a great game to play in, especially the second half, and it was nice to get a few goals in front of the Kop," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The first half was a little bit tricky when they got the equaliser and made it hard for us, but the manager told us at half-time to keep doing what we were doing and the goals would come.

"I thought our second-half performance was really good.

"I really enjoyed it out there. Me and Jose could see we were getting a fair bit of space and the manager told us to try and exploit that space, and I thought on both sides we did well. That's where most of the goals came from.

"Competition for places is tough here. I'm sure it's great for the manager and it gives him a headache. We have got options all over the park, everyone wants to play in the starting XI, and it's good for the club."

He was fairly happy with his assist for Carroll’s superb finish too. Downing added: "It was a good team move. I got a bit lucky when I managed to get away but it was a good finish from Andy."

The game also witnessed a team score three own goals in an FA Cup tie for the first time in it’s history.

Downing added: "It was a bit crazy. They were a bit unlucky with a few of them but it was good for us to create the chances and take them. That's probably been our downfall at times at home this season, creating a lot of chances but not putting them away, but on Sunday it came good for us."