Allen targets return to early form
Joe Allen is confident he can return to the sort of sparkling form he demonstrated at the start of his Liverpool career when the 2013-14 season gets underway in 10 days time.
After moving to Anfield in August last year, the midfielder was one of the stand-out performers during the opening exchanges of his first league campaign in a red shirt.
However, the Wales international was forced to undergo surgery in March to repair an ongoing shoulder problem.
Now fully recovered, Allen has enjoyed a promising pre-season so far, including a goal against Olympiacos in Steven Gerrard's testimonial last weekend.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "My challenge is to get back playing at the level I was at early last season. That's the plan.
"I managed to hit the ground running when I first signed.
"Things didn't carry on like that but from the first minute this season I want to give my best and produce good performances for the team."
While Allen admits last year was difficult at times, the 23-year-old insists he's adapted to the pressures of being a Liverpool player.
He's now relishing the prospect of pushing on when the new season begins against Stoke at Anfield next Saturday.
"This is a fresh start and I'm looking forward to playing a big part," said Allen. "Last season was tough. But I suppose things like that can give you broader shoulders. It's at the stage now where I feel it's completely behind me.
"It was tough but it comes with the territory of being a player at Liverpool. You have to deal with it and get through it.
"I'm looking forward to the season ahead."