Downing Glad With Reds Quality

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing is optimistic of a successful 2011/12 season and is hopeful that they can garner back-to-back victories this weekend by defeating Bolton Wanderers at Anfield.

Downing joined the Reds from Aston Villa this summer and has started in each of their two league matches against Sunderland and Arsenal.

Kenny Dalglish's side have made a number of signings during the transfer window including those of Doni, Charlie Adam and Jose Enrique, and Downing says that all of the newcomers get along well with those who were already present in the team.

"There's a good mix of lads, young and old, English lads and foreign lads," the 27-year-old told Liverpool's official website. "We all get on very well, which helps a lot.

"Team spirit is a massive part of football and I sensed that straight away. The lads are really close and I think that helps on the pitch. It's showing in our performances.

"I'm very excited about what we could achieve this season. With the squad we have now, you can see there's a lot of quality, even on the bench.

"There are people who aren't getting picked who are top players. For the manager it's probably a headache but one he'd like."

The Reds have made a positive start to the league campaign, drawing 1-1 with Sunderland in their opening game and then defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates last weekend.

Downing is confident that they can earn a similar positive result against Bolton on Saturday evening but urges caution.

"We've got to make Anfield a cauldron, a hard place to come," he explained. "I thought we played very well against Sunderland, especially the first half.

"But at Arsenal it was a very good team performance. We have to build on that. It'll be tough. I watched Bolton against Man City and they played very well. They were unlucky not to get something.

"They pass it around a lot now. He (Owen Coyle) has brought Tuncay in who I played with at Middlesbrough.

"He's a very good footballer, and Eagles is a good winger. Their style of play is to get it down, pass the ball and get it wide - similar to how we play, a little bit. I think it will be a good game of football."