THERE was a banner which caught Stewart Downing’s eye as Liverpool’s coach weaved away from the Halim Perdana Kusuma airport.

Among the thousands of fans who had turned out in force to welcome the Reds to Jakarta was one with the simple message ‘Stay Here SD 19 Don’t Go Away’.

News of West Ham’s interest in Downing travelled fast but that Indonesian Kopite didn’t need to worry.

The 28-year-old winger has no intention of parting company with Liverpool this summer and has been reassured that he remains part of boss Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

“I saw the banner and it’s nice to see the fans getting behind you like that,” Downing said.

“There were so many of them there and it’s good to know we have that kind of support.”

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was hoping to lure him to the capital with a bid of around £8million but Downing will spurn his advances.

Having belatedly kick-started his Anfield career in the second half of last season, the former Middlesbrough man feels he’s only just getting started.

“I feel settled now,” he said. “The first year at Liverpool was difficult but once I established myself in the team last season I really enjoyed it.

“We played really well as a team and that helped me. You could see signs that if we play like that consistently then we’ll have a real chance this season.

“That’s why I don’t want to leave. If you are playing with good players in a good team then you don’t want to lose that.

“I think there have been a couple of rumours going around maybe because I was told last season I could leave, but it’s not something I am going to consider.

“I have spoken to the manager and he’s told me that he’s happy for me to stay. As far as I see it I’m here to play. He wants to build a squad and not dismantle it.

“If I’m not in the team and not playing that is a discussion we will have to have then but at the minute I have absolutely no reason to leave.

“My aim this season is to play well and stay in the team. I’ve only got two years left on my contract so that will be up for renewal soon. I’ve got plenty to play for.”

How times have changed. Last November Downing appeared destined for the Anfield exit door.

He had rarely featured under Rodgers who told him he could seek a transfer during the January transfer window.

Downing’s response was emphatic as he knuckled down and fought his way back into the side. After the turn of the year he was one of the first names on the teamsheet.

“I don’t really know what changed,” he said. “Sometimes you can’t play at your best all the time but it was frustrating.

“Suddenly, it just clicked. The team was playing well which helped. I felt like I had nothing to lose back then and it went well.

“I was really pleased with the second half of last season. I got a good run at it and now I just want to carry it on. I have to make sure I stay in the team.”

Downing is only too aware that competition for places this season will be greater than ever.

With Raheem Sterling back fit, teenager Jordon Ibe emerging and Spanish new boys Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto looking to make an impression, Rodgers’ attacking options are greater.

However, the £20million signing from Aston Villa in 2011, is ready for the challenge and happy to be versatile if it means getting regular action.

“Some new players have come in and obviously a few more will arrive too,” he said.

“If they do, so be it, I am ready for what’s coming. I suppose it’s a bigger battle this season but at a club like this there is always going to be investment in the team.

“The manager has strengthened so far and a couple can play in my position but the way I see it is if I’m playing well they have got to get me out of the team.

“I think having competition brings more out of me. That’s how I felt last season. The manager told me that if I played well I’d stay in the team and he was true to his word.

“I’ve spoken to the manager recently, not in terms of a position in the side, but about whether I’ll be getting game time. He just said it’s the same situation as last year. If you are in the team and keep playing well then you will keep your place.

“I played in a couple of positions last season which will probably help me. I filled in at left-back, I played wide left and wide right. As long as I play, I’m happy to go anywhere.”

An added motivation for Downing is the target of forcing his way back into the England set-up ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

However, having been overlooked by Roy Hodgson since he won the last of his 34 caps against Norway prior to Euro 2012, he’s not optimistic about landing a trip to Brazil.

He said: “It’s something else to play for but I’m not getting my hopes up too much as I haven’t played for England for a long time.

“I’ve not spoken to Roy or any of his staff. It was strange at the Euros as I didn’t know why I was there to be honest.

“I didn’t feel part of it. He never told me to warm up. Against Norway I played well and thought I had a chance of playing at the Euros but it just didn’t come about.

“We were struggling and I thought I could offer something different but obviously he didn’t see it that way.

“If I play well and he decides not to pick me then there’s nothing more I can do.

“I need to play well and if he changes his mind then perfect as I’d love to go to the World Cup.

“If not I’ll just carry on doing my best for Liverpool.”

Downing was speaking after taking a stroll around the Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium with Rodgers’ squad shortly after touching down in Jakarta.

His transfer from Villa didn’t go through in time for him to be part of Liverpool’s 2011 Far East and he knows this trip will be something of an eye-opener.

“It’s a long way to come but I watched a couple of films on the plane and had a sleep so it wasn’t too bad,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe the welcome at the airport. Steven Gerrard had told me before that it would be unbelievable and he was right. I was really surprised by it.

“I missed the last tour to Asia as I was in the middle of signing but I knew that 80,000 had watched the game in Kuala Lumpur.

“It’s great to experience this myself. It’s the first time I have ever been to Asia and it’s good to get to see different places.”