LAST season Stewart Downing was set to be Liverpool’s supply line for £35m target man Andy Carroll – this season Downing is set to fight the likes of Jose Enrique for the left-back spot.
After a season of 36 league appearances, no assists and no goals – with the only statistic of real note being that Downing became the first Premier League player in seven years to miss three consecutive penalties – new boss Brendan Rogers is set to take drastic action.
He said: “I think it is a big possibility that he can play left back. If you look at the modern-day full-backs, Alba, Ashley Cole – Ashley Cole was a centre-forward.
“When Middlesbrough reached the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla, he played left-back on that run. Sometimes it can release the pressure on players. His job at the top end of the pitch is to create and score goals.
“Time will tell. I don’t like to just give up on players.”
In other news, Carroll has been given a security job, while Charlie Adam is to take up a new role in catering.
defender
Heskey the new Beckenbaur
ASTON Villa fans, I have a sinking feeling for you…
Villa boss Alex McLeish is planning on playing lumbering ex-England striker Emile Heskey as a central defender.
McLeish has been gushing over the goal-shy forward’s ability, likening him to German legend Franz Beckenbaur.
McLeish said: “We now know what Emile can do. He can play in any position. I could even play him at the back without any fears.
“We played him at centre-back last week in training and he was spraying the ball about as if I was watching Franz Beckenbauer.
“He is a brilliant all-round player, he understands the game and we need him in the squad.”
New Dion Dublin more like…
Villa defender reveals his shooting boots
VILLA’S sharp-shooting defender Kyle Walker has revealed the secret behind his recent scoring streak – he began life as a striker.
Full back Walker has been playing professional football for two years but hadn’t scored before his loan move from Spurs to Villa last month.
He said: “It’s just in my game. I used to be a centre-forward growing up. My first instinct is to get forward and shoot. Luckily it paid off and hopefully it will keep doing that.
“I’ve been frustrated not to score before but it’s not really my job to score goals. It’s my job to defend and get balls into the box for the strikers.”
Goaltastic 