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GLEN JOHNSON believes his burgeoning partnership with Stewart Downing down Liverpool FC’s right flank can continue to cause problems for opposing sides.

The England internationals have established a strong understanding in recent months.

Prior to Saturday’s draw at Reading, they had started each of the last 10 games together, with Downing’s form, in particular, showing a marked improvement.

And Johnson says he enjoys playing alongside the former Middlesbrough winger, insisting that much of Downing’s selfless work for the team passes under the radar.

“He’s been brilliant,” said Johnson.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing with Stewart, I’ve been a big fan of his for many years.

“We play well together and cause other teams quite a lot of problems.

“Stewart has been fantastic; his work-rate, the way he gets at players and defences.

“A lot of the time in football, a lot of hard work can go unnoticed.

“Stewart did knuckle down, put his neck on the line and went for it.

“It’s great to see that now he’s getting the rewards and credit he deserves.”

Johnson, at 28, now ranks as one of Liverpool’s senior citizens, as Brendan Rodgers looks to infuse his squad with youth.

The Reds have fielded, on average, the youngest side in the Premier League this season, and Johnson admits it has taken time for him to adapt to being an old head in the dressing room.

He said: “There are times when you see a group of young lads knocking around and you’re six or seven years older than most of them. Obviously this day was always going to come but I don’t feel old in my body so it’s good.

“Everybody is probably different at when they hit their peak but, in general, people have said that around 28 or 29 you hit your peak so we’ll find out.

“When you come through, you always look at the older players to learn from them day in, day out and I’m sure the younger players do the same here.”