Liverpool winger Stewart Downing believes that the club can put together a good sequence of results and make a late burst for European qualification this term.

The Reds have been in fine form since the turn of the year, dragging themselves from midtable obscurity into contention for Europa League, and even Champions League, qualification.

With nine games left to play, the Merseysiders are just two points off of fifth place and further five from the top four.

Downing feels that with many of their rivals due to face each other during the run in, Liverpool can make a late burst to book a spot in Europe for next season:

"We said it was always going to be tough but we set ourselves the little task of trying to win as many games as we could in the last 10 and that's three in a row now so we've got a chance," he is quoted by The Mirror.

"We've got some winnable games but that's easier said than done. We have to go and win them but from the way we are playing I think we can beat anyone.

"The teams in and around that top half are playing each other so obviously some are going to slip up and drop points and the thing for us is to take each game as it comes and see where we finish."

Liverpool now have an almost unblemished squad to choose from, with Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly their only long-term absentees.

Downing, who has featured heavily of late, believes that getting everybody fully fit has been key in the club’s return to top form:

"I think getting everyone back fit, getting our strongest players out there, has helped with everyone in their proper positions.

"I think everything is coming together. There were signs earlier in the season but it was always going to take time to click - now you are seeing some good signs.”

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