Stewart Downing believes his performance at Wembley on Sunday ranks among his finest as a Liverpool player.

Praise was widespread for the winger who won the official Carling Cup man of the match award.

He tormented the Cardiff defence from the first minute with fine close-control and deadly bursts of pace - firing in an astounding 20 crosses.

"Sunday's performance was one of my best for Liverpool," Downing told the Liverpool Echo. "Wembley is a big pitch, which is good for the wide players. I enjoyed it, and it made it even better that we won."

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The former Aston Villa man capped a quality performance by holding his nerve in the penalty shoot-out to send Tom Heaton the wrong way and edge Liverpool closer to an eighth League Cup victory.

A task made all the more intimidating by the fact that Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam both missed from the spot.

"When we missed the first two penalties I thought maybe it wasn't going to be our day," admitted Downing. "Especially because (Adam and Gerrard) are our main two penalty takers. But we got there in the end. It was an unbelievable day."

However, there was little time to bask in League Cup glory, as Downing and others turned their attentions to tomorrow night and England's friendly clash against Holland.

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Glen Johnson and Gerrard will feature as part of Stuart Pearce's England squad while Dirk Kuyt - who also gave an impressive performance as an extra time substitute during Sunday's final - will most likely line-up for the opposition.

And with the destination of the England captaincy still officially undecided, Downing was quick to give his backing to teammate and Liverpool skipper, Gerrard.

"He's captained Liverpool for many years and done very well," said the No.19. "And if picked for England, would do that job well too.

"He's a big player for Liverpool and England, has a great influence on England and drives teams on so if he is given the captaincy then great. He certainly has a lot to offer.