Stewart Downing
Downing has his eye on a return to the England set up. (Reuters)

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has outlined his determination to retain his spot in Brendan Rodgers' first team plans amid a cluster of new arrivals and once again challenge for a place in the England set up.

The 28-year-old often found himself on the periphery of the Reds squad during the first half of last season but managed to regain his a his role in the first team throughout the latter half of the campaign.

The club have already brought in four new faces this summer, with Spanish duo Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto likely to provide greater competition in the Reds' attacking options. Having begun to once again prove his worth last season, Downing has no intention of relinquishing his spot any time soon.

"At every club you need at least two or three players in every position to keep people on their toes, but especially at a club like this," Downing told the club's official website.

"We're fighting on many fronts - cup competitions and the league - so you have to be strong in every department. But competition brings the best out of players and hopefully it will in me.

"My target will be similar to when I got back into the team last season - enjoy it, work hard and play some good football like we did at the end of last season."

The former Aston Villa wide man will also have one eye on next summer's 2014 World Cup. Downing has not made an appearance for the Three Lions in over a year, last turning out in a 1-0 win over Norway last May.

But after fighting his way back into contention at Anfield, Downing is determined to do likewise for his country over the next season and ensure he books a place in Roy Hodgson's squad next year.

"It's been difficult, as I've not played for England over the last year or so, but I'd love to play at the World Cup," he added.

"It's just a year away and I've got a full season to get in the manager's thoughts. I'll just take every game as it comes and see what happens at the end of the year."