Stewart Downing has always been a great player & he can provide us with a lot of goals – Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel

Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel has backed new signing Stewart Downing to be a hit at Anfield.

The winger joined from Aston Villa in a deal reported to be around £20 million, and the defender has admitted that he has long been a fan of the England international and feels he will add a lot to the side.

Skrtel told the club’s official website: “The players we have signed are all top quality and they will bring a lot to this team.

“I remember Stewart Downing when he played for Middleborough and he has always been a great player. He can provide us with a lot of goals and he has a great delivery from the wide areas.”

The Slovakian international picked up a calf injury during a training session which forced him to miss Liverpool’s recent tour of Asia.

Skrtel was an ever-present last season and is enthusiastic about returning from injury and hooking up with the team next week in Turkey when they face Galatasaray.

“I picked up a calf injury in training just before we were due to travel to Asia, so unfortunately I had to miss the tour,” he said.

“I had a scan and it was thought I would be out of action for two to three weeks, but I have been working hard and am feeling much better now.

“I am now looking to return to training on Sunday or Monday, and hopefully I will be available for the Galatasaray game.

“That’s the target for me and the physios, so hopefully I can be back for this game.”