KENNY DALGLISH believes Aston Villa’s jeering of Stewart Downing backfired as Liverpool FC eased to comfortable victory.

Downing was one of several impressive performers as Dalglish’s men secured a deserved 2-0 win at Villa Park yesterday.

The England international won and delivered the corner that resulted in Craig Bellamy’s opener on 11 minutes before Martin Skrtel’s header doubled the advantage four minutes later.

Downing was abused throughout by Villa fans unhappy at the manner of his summer departure to Anfield.

And when asked if the player had been affected by such a ‘tough’ atmosphere, Dalglish said: “You must lead a sheltered life if you think that’s tough. I thought it was sad; they’d have been better giving support to their own players.”

Dalglish sarcastically added: “Downing was excellent so obviously the abuse worked.”

The Liverpool manager handed Jonjo Shelvey a first-ever Premier League start in an advanced midfield role and was rewarded by an encouraging display from the 19-year-old, who recently returned from a successful loan spell at npower Championship side Blackpool.

“He did really well,” said Dalglish. “He must have been a little bit nervous but he settled in very quickly. Last year he came on a couple of times as sub and could pick the game up very quickly.

“It was natural progress for him to go to Blackpool and see how it is a little higher up than reserve football. He did really well there in a few games.

“He has been back here training for a few weeks and because of the situation with Lucas it was right to bring him back. He should be very pleased with his first start.”