Stewart Downing is hoping his fine display during the 6-1 FA Cup rout of Brighton will give him a chance of earning a starting berth at Wembley in the Carling Cup final next Sunday.

The winger set up a goal for Andy Carroll and was a constant threat to Gus Poyet's side, linking superbly with Jose Enrique down the left flank.

Downing hopes this will mean there is no repeat of what happened in 2004 when he was an unused substitute as Middlesbrough played out the League Cup final against Bolton.

"It was a great game to play in, especially the second half, and it was nice to get a few goals in front of the Kop," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The first half was a little bit tricky when they got the equaliser and made it hard for us, but the manager told us at half-time to keep doing what we were doing and the goals would come.

"I thought our second-half performance was really good.

"I really enjoyed it out there. Me and Jose could see we were getting a fair bit of space and the manager told us to try and exploit that space, and I thought on both sides we did well. That's where most of the goals came from.

"Competition for places is tough here. I'm sure it's great for the manager and it gives him a headache. We have got options all over the park, everyone wants to play in the starting XI, and it's good for the club."

On his run and cross to set up the chance for Carroll's goal, Downing added: "It was a good team move. I got a bit lucky when I managed to get away but it was a good finish from Andy."

The thrilling tie also featured three own goals as Liverpool laid siege to the Brighton goal with some excellent moves.

Downing added: "It was a bit crazy. They were a bit unlucky with a few of them but it was good for us to create the chances and take them. That's probably been our downfall at times at home this season, creating a lot of chances but not putting them away, but on Sunday it came good for us."

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All thoughts now turn to Wembley and the No.19 is hoping to land his first medal on his debut season in front of the Kop.

He added: "We've got a good week to prepare for the Carling Cup final now. We will prepare well and do everything right.

"Cardiff won't be an easy game, finals never are, and we will prepare right and make sure we do the business on the day."

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