Stewart Downing spoke of his delight at scooping a Carling Cup winners' medal just seven months into his Anfield career.

The 27-year-old, who drew man-of-the-match plaudits after a good display down Liverpool's left channel, rounded-off a perfect day by converting in the penalty shootout.

But Downing was quick to heap praise on Malky Mackay's Cardiff, who proved fierce competition and made life extremely difficult for Liverpool during an intense 120 minutes of football on Sunday night.

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"It was an unbelievable day," said the No.19. "We played some good football but Cardiff took the lead. We created a lot of chances and I thought we weren't going to finish it off.

"They pushed us all the way. It was a terrific game for the fans - but not for us as players! I'm just glad we won in the end. It was brilliant.

"You could see how happy Carra and Stevie were and they've won trophies in the past, so you can imagine how happy we were. It's a great day for the club."

Liverpool trailed by a goal in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out before Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson both converted from the spot to even proceedings.

Downing's penalty meant that Cardiff's Anthony Gerrard needed to score but the Liverpool-born defender fired his effort wide of Pepe Reina's post to send the Reds behind the goal into delirium.

"If I'm honest, I was a little bit nervous," said Downing. "Every player will tell you it's nerve-wracking. The goal becomes a little bit smaller, the goalkeeper bigger. You've just got to pick your spot and hopefully it goes in. I'm pleased mine went in but I'm more pleased that we won.

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"When we missed the first two penalties I thought maybe it wasn't going to be our day, especially because they are our main two penalty takers. But we got there in the end.

"It means something. I wanted to come here and perform well. I'm pleased with my performance, I'm pleased the team has won. It's onwards and upwards for us now."

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