Carroll right up Downing's street

09 August 2011 13:32
Stewart Downing is looking forward to striking up a good understanding with Andy Carroll at both club and international level.[LNB] Downing has joined Liverpool from Aston Villa this summer and is excited about the prospect of lining up alongside the likes of Carroll and fellow England colleague Steven Gerrard.[LNB]He is also well acquainted with Jamie Carragher and admits the strong British contingent at Anfield was one of the factors that lured him to Merseyside.[LNB]"The British nucleus at Anfield was an attraction to me. If you have a mixture of the foreign lads and the British, then it is a good mix, I think," explained the winger.[LNB]"I knew Steven and Carra before I came and they said, 'Good atmosphere, great set of lads, we work very hard'. The manager [Kenny Dalglish] is demanding, and that is something I wanted to sample.[LNB]"Once I knew I had a chance of coming to Anfield, I spoke to him but he didn't really have to sell the club to me. It is a pull already.[LNB]"It has been brilliant and training has been really good. It is a challenge to get in this team and do well."[LNB]Downing has enjoyed linking up with Carroll for England and the pair have been included in Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly against Holland on Wednesday, which is in doubt due to the riots in London.[LNB]He is a big admirer of the former Newcastle striker and feels, with Luis Suarez also making an impressive start to his Reds career last season, Liverpool have a dangerous attacking unit.[LNB]"I have played a few games with Andy, for England and in pre-season, and I know his strengths - he's very impressive," Downing added.[LNB]"If you get the ball in the box then, nine times out of 10, he will get on the end of it. He is a big target.[LNB]"I watched Suarez too, in the Copa America, and he was brilliant. I think he and Carroll will suit each other, and if we work at it then I think we can strike up a few good partnerships."[LNB]Downing's immediate focus is on trying to perform well for England, having struggled to cement a regular role in the squad over the past few years.[LNB]"I hope I can become an integral part for England," he admitted. "So far, I would say my England career has been frustrating. [LNB]"I have been in and out, in and out, done well and then not played in games. There is no point moaning about it.[LNB]"I want to make the step up now into the first XI and not just be in the squad. I feel part of things, more so of late. For two years I was injured and then didn't get picked. It is nice to be back in."

Source: Team_Talk