Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has admitted that his first season at the club has been "a bit up and down".

The 27-year-old has come in for criticism following his £20m move from Aston Villa during the summer.

"It's been a bit up and down," he told reporters. "Some good games, some indifferent ones.

"I expected pressure, but I didn't expect it to be as big as it has been. You are under the microscope every day. In every game, people are looking at you.

"All you can do is work hard and keep training well - [manager Kenny Dalglish] has stressed from day one that if you don't train well, you won't be in the team."

Downing has scored once in all competitions for the Reds this season.