Allen wants Liverpool starting spot for Christmas

Rob Conlon
Joe Allen: Midfielder eyeing run in Liverpool first team

Joe Allen: Midfielder eyeing run in Liverpool first team

Joe Allen hopes the busy festive period will mean he is given a chance to impress Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool’s starting XI.

Midfielder Allen has made only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season and has been linked with a move away from Anfield in January.

However, with the Reds facing a period of 10 matches in 40 days, the Welshman knows he should get the chance to stake his claim for more regular first-team football.

“It’s one you look forward to as players. You want to be playing as much as you can, within reason,” the 25-year-old.

“For someone like me who is trying to take an opportunity to get into the team, it’s even more important.

“I personally can’t wait. It’s the period of the season everyone looks forward to and can also be the stage that makes or breaks how teams have fared at the end of the season.

“The competition is fierce, as I think everyone can see, so it’s up to me to put the hard work in and try to make sure I contribute.”

Allen’s task of breaking into Liverpool’s midfield is likely to get much tougher with captain Jordan Henderson close to returning from injury.

However the former Swansea player insists he welcomes the return of the England international, who has stepped up his rehabilitation alongside star forward Daniel Sturridge.

“They are key players for us, so to get them back in is going to be huge for our season,” he added.

“We’ve talked about the disappointments of this season and them not being out on the pitch has been one of the biggest ones.

“It’s our club captain and, in Sturridge, you’ve got a match-winner who can flip a game on its head at any time. We need to get them back out there as soon as we can and firing on all cylinders.”