Joe Allen claims he’s capable of more ahead of his injury return

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Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is determined to prove himself during the final weeks of the season…

Joe Allen is set to hand Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers a huge boost ahead of the trip to his former club Swansea City on Monday evening, by joining club captain Steven Gerrard in declaring himself fit.

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The Reds have been short on midfield options recently, with Allen, Gerrard and Lucas Leiva all sidelined by injury, resulting in Emre Can playing alongside Jordan Henderson in the centre of the park.

However, Allen is confident that he’ll be ready for the latest test of the Reds’ top four credentials at the start of next week, as we attempt to close the gap on the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “It was just a minor injury really. It was sort of touch and go for [the Blackburn] game. It probably would have cost me further down the line, so I sat that one out and I’ve just been working to get back fit.”

“It looks likely [I’ll be back for Swansea]. I’m obviously disappointed to have missed the cup game at the weekend, but hopefully that’s the only game that this injury will cost me.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating, as you’d expect. But I think you try and keep perspective – it was only something small. So, thankfully, and you never want to miss any games, but if it’s only one, then it’s a small price to pay, I guess.”

The 24-year-old, who was in fine form ahead of his unfortunately timed lay-off, was one of the best players on the pitch as we beat Premier League champions Manchester City earlier this month, and the Welshman is determined to continue that streak with a dominating display against the Swans.

Allen, along with several other members of the squad, came in for an unwarranted amount of criticism earlier in the campaign, as the Reds struggled to start well. But with the club’s form having been transformed over the last three months, he’s determined to find some consistency and prove that he belongs.

Speaking about the recent game against City, he added: “I love to go out and win games, so when you’re part of a performance like that against a team that’s the reigning champions, it’s a great feeling.

“I think I played really well and I think it was back to the sort of levels I know I can produce. Touch wood, apart from this small niggle, if I can stay fit and keep myself in the team then I can hope to improve those performances more and more.

“The last couple of seasons, when I’ve started games, I think I’ve been part of big victories, great team performances and we’ve won our fair share. I’m proud of that and I think that’s where most of my strengths lie.

“I think with more and more gametime and starts, you get your levels up but you also get that consistency back. When you’ve been out for a while and you come back in, as much as you’ve been working, it’s not quite the same.

“It’s not the same as everyone else who has been playing. You do feel a little bit off the pace, I guess. It takes a bit of time. I’ve always been confident that I can prove that I’m a top player and what I can do at this football club.”

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