Downing: Eager to make Reds history

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Stewie wants to undo downs

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing hopes it’s third time lucky for him when the side contest for Carling Cup glory against Cardiff City next Sunday.

The Reds travel to Wembley on February 26 to face the Bluebirds in what will be the Merseysiders’ record 11th appearance in the knockout competition’s final stage.

For Downing, however, it will be his third outing and the England international is keen to overcome his previous two disappointments in the showpiece.

The 27-year-old watched from Middlesborough’s bench in 2004 as the Boro triumphed over Bolton, and then was on the losing end with Aston Villa six years later against Manchester United.

“The first one I was an unused sub for Middlesbrough. I would have liked to have played but I was still involved,” Downing said.

“The second one for Villa against United - a few things didn’t go our way.

“Nemanja Vidic could have been sent off early on and we were a little bit unlucky on the day.

“It would have been nice to finish with a medal but it wasn’t to be.

“Hopefully this time around I’ll get one.”

Kenny Dalglish’s men are odds-on favourites to lift their eighth League Cup with the Anfield outfit’s achievements in the tournament something of folklore.

Liverpool hold the most final appearances and most wins (seven), as well as the most tournament wins by a player with former Reds striker Ian Rush having lifted the trophy five times with the club.