The Welsh midfielder has endured a “frustrating” period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but intends to win back his place in the starting XI after returning to action

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is eager to impress after a frustrating period watching on from the sidelines.

The Welshman recently returned to first-team contention at Anfield, having spent two months out with a hamstring injury, but still faces a battle to gain a regular starting berth, with Brendan Rodgers’s side having impressed in his absence.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t frustrating at times,” Allen told the press.

“I’m working hard and waiting patiently for my chance but Liverpool is a massive club and we are having a great season.

“The competition for places is really good and you want that at a top club and I have to work as hard as I can to get back into the fold.

“You want to see your team doing well, especially when you are out injured – the lift you get is from seeing your team doing well.

“Hopefully with the momentum we are gaining now we can keep going and in an ideal world I would like to be a big part of that.”