'That's what we're made of'

Dirk Kuyt struck an 88^th minute winner to send the Reds into the fifth round of the competition after Ji-Sung Park had earlier cancelled out Daniel Agger's opener.

The result followed Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final elimination of Manchester City at Anfield, and Downing feels the camaraderie amongst Kenny Dalglish's squad was a key factor in both games.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think it has been the perfect week. City was a tough game and the lads put a lot of effort in, so it was a big task for us against United and we had to do a lot of running off the ball. But you can sense our team spirit is very high. We were desperate to win and I think it showed with the way we played.

"We had to grind the win out. They are a good team and although they were missing some players, they've still got people to come in and do well.

"It was a tough game and there wasn't much created, but we took our chances when we got them.

"We can build on those two results. Confidence is high and we've got some big league games coming up.

"We've got to take this (form) into the league. Every player is playing their part no matter what team or system the manager plays, and we're all enjoying it at the moment."

Kuyt's last-gasp winner sparked scenes of joyous celebrations both in the stands and on the pitch and was typical of a Dutchman who has a penchant for finding the back of the net when it matters most.

Downing said: "He doesn't mind a goal against United, does he? That's the spirit we have in the team - Dirk has come off the bench and got on with his job. The ball always seems to fall for him (in big games), it was a great finish and a good way to end a good game.

"I didn't know what minute it was, but I knew it was late on. We kept probing and trying to get the winner.

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"As I said, we've had two good results this week and confidence is high at the moment."

He added: "With the way the game finished against one of our main rivals, to see the fans at the end was brilliant.

"The players are on a high and it's been a good week for the football club. It would be nice to get to another final and that's our aim. Hopefully we can do that."

Liverpool return to action on Tuesday night when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a Barclays Premier League encounter.

Downing is hoping the Reds can maintain their impressive form of the last two matches at Molineux.

The England winger said: "It's important to try and get three points (against Wolves), The main thing is the league and we want to be high up there, so we'll dust ourselves down and get ready.

"We're in the next round (of the FA Cup) and that will take care of itself. Wolves is a big game and we've got to go there and be ready to win."