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.
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Sevilla show cucumber solidarity
SPANISH squad Sevilla will show their love of cucumbers with next season’s strip.
Each shirt – worn by players such as Jesus Navas and Freddy Kanoute – will bear a badge declaring “I love pepinos” on the right sleeve.
The move is a show of support for Spanish farmers caught up in the E.Coli reports.
Valencia turn Japanese in support of stricken nation
AS A show of solidarity with earthquake and tsunami-hit Japan, Spanish team Valencia wore shirts with Japanese names this weekend.
The squad, which has a large following in the Asian country, turned out for thier tie with Sevilla with specially-made shirts.
A club spokesman said: “A detail that will remain in the memories of all fans, not only of Valencia CF, but in the world of football came in the shirts of the players of our team, who wore their names in Japanese in a clear show of solidarity in memory of victims of the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck the Asian country.”
Blackburn target big name Brazilian
IN THEIR search for a famous name to bring in, Blackburn Rovers are plotting a bid for Sevilla’s Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano.
The World Cup star could cost in the region of £10million, but the player fits the bill for Rovers as they look to increase their stature on and off the pitch.
It has also been reported that owners Venky’s have hired an agent to specifically lure Brazil players to the team – so if the Luis Fabiano bid falls through, expect more Samba stars to be linked in the coming months…
Goaltastic 