LIVERPOOL WINGER STEWART DOWNING has hit back at his boss Brendan Rodgers for questioning his commitment.

The 28-year-old has featured less and less under Rodgers this season, given the emergence of the 17-year-old Raheem Sterling, and the Reds boss recently called on Downing to show ‘fight’ for the cause.

Downing feels that Rodgers should not have gone public with any comments about his form.

“I was upset and you’ll have to ask the manager what he meant with that quote,” Downing said. “I always try my best.

“Bravery is a lot of things. If you want tackling and running around bustling, that’s not my game. But bravery is also taking the ball when you’re losing and creating things. That’s what I try to do.

“I’m disappointed but if that’s how the manager sees it, there’s not a lot I can do about it. I just have to keep working hard and do what he tells me to do.

“I would have preferred if it was private but that’s the way it is. We’ve had a few conversations and the only thing for me is to keep working hard and take my chance when I get it.”

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