Downing reveals top-four target

Summer signing Stewart Downing insists Liverpool have "a hell of a chance" of gatecrashing the Premier League top four.

A disappointing opening-day draw against Sunderland has been banished by impressive wins over Arsenal and Bolton to give seasoned Merseysiders genuine optimism about sealing a coveted Champions League place. The Reds return to domestic matters on Saturday when they face a difficult assignment away to Stoke City and former Aston Villa favourite Downing is taking nothing for granted. "There is a feel-good factor," he said. "We started the season very well but we've got a tough run of games coming up, starting with Stoke (on Saturday)." The England winger says squad investment carried out by Kenny Dalglish has given the dressing room a buzz and Downing is confident Liverpool will be challenging for a top-four finish. He added: "If we keep playing the way we are at Liverpool, we've got a hell of a chance of being in the top bracket. "But we take one game at a time."