Downing praises ‘Pool character

LIVERPOOL winger Stewart Downing believes the squad have proved they have the character to succeed after responding to successive defeats with back-to-back victories.

The 2-0 Merseyside derby win followed on from three points at home to Wolves last week and erased the memories of reverses at Stoke and, in particular, Tottenham.

Beating Wolves was significant in light of the fixtures to follow as, having now made the short trip to Goodison Park, Liverpool host Manchester United after the international break.

“The two victories we’ve had back to back after the defeats has shown the character of the team and depth of the squad we’ve got here,” said Downing — who was one of five Merseyside debutants on the Liverpool team.