Stewart Downing has claimed that a conversation that he had with manager Brendan Rodgers back in December has been a major factor behind his improved form for Liverpool in 2013.

Reports had claimed that Rodgers had told the winger that he could leave Anfield during the upcoming January transfer window as long as the club received a suitable offer.

However, since then, the 28-year-old has played his way into Rodgers's plans and has featured on a regular basis over the last two months.

"I think it was the conversation that I had with the manager - it gave me nothing to lose. Your career is over in a matter of years and you've got to enjoy it while you can. That is what I have been doing over the last couple of months," he told the club's official Twitter page.

"I seem to be getting the rewards with some good performances and some good results for the team. If I can help along the way, that would be good. I'm enjoying it now."

Downing joined the Reds from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.