Martin Keown gives fringe Liverpool player deadline to get game time

Martin Keown has said that Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana must try to get game time within the next “four or five months”, or consider leaving the club for pastures new.

Lallana, who moved to Anfield from Southampton in 2014, enjoyed a fruitful first couple of seasons under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp but has since lost his place in the team due to a string of fitness problems.

The England international was likened to a “new signing” by Klopp earlier this summer, but Lallana has only managed four minutes of Premier League action so far this term, and even called it an “eye-opener” that he wasn’t included in the squad to face Norwich City on the opening day.

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Arsenal man Keown said that Liverpool’s current run of games – which sees them make seven outings in 21 days – could be a great opportunity for Lallana to reclaim his place in the Reds side.

“I’m a massive fan of Lallana, and England manager Gareth Southgate really likes him too,” Keown said. “He’s a player that’s really suffered with injury and he’s hit the buffers because he is simply not fit enough often enough to play for Liverpool.

“He’s only played a handful of matches over the last couple of seasons, but he’s got a clean bill of health now – can he get back into that Liverpool team? Can he fit into it?

“If he’s now fit again he has to have a conversation with the manager, because it hurts you to the core every Saturday when your name is not on that list. What on earth are you there for otherwise?

“He may have to move on if he doesn’t get into that team within the next four or five months. There are an awful lot of games coming up with the Champions League and cup competitions, and if he doesn’t play he’ll be seriously considering moving to another club.”

Liverpool return to Premier League action following the international break when they face Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday.