Stewart Downing is a frustrated figure at Anfield as he battles to earn more starts for Liverpool under boss Brendan Rodgers, but he aims to keep trying his best to work his way into the manager’s future plans.

Downing has made just five appearances in the Premier League this season, with most of his starts restricted to the Europa League where he has bagged two goals so far in the competition. But he has yet to find the net in the Premier League – something he hopes to improve upon.

“It has been frustrating at times and I have been disappointed this season not to have played more games,” Downing told reporters.

“But I am just trying to do my best when I play and to get a goal. It is a great club to play for. Hopefully it long continues.”

Downing has been linked with a return to his former club Middlesbrough in January, but it remains to be seen whether he is seen as surplus to requirements on Merseyside.

Liverpool have been in better form of late after a poor start to the season, and have picked up two wins and a draw in their last four Premier League outings. They go to West Ham on Sunday in search of a victory that would take them into the top 10, level on points with the Hammers.