Allen: Gerrard's new role could suit me

The Wales international is hoping to return to the squad for Sunday's trip to West Bromwich Albion after recovering from an injury he sustained against Aston Villa at Anfield.

Allen is determined to make up for lost time and prove his worth - and he's targeting another three points in the push for Champions League football.

Asked whether Gerrard's new position increases competition for places in the midfield, Allen told Liverpoolfc.com: "In some ways I think it does.

"With Lucas suffering an injury and being out for a few weeks as well, from a personal point of view, it probably is a position that is up for grabs. Competition is always fierce when you are at a club like Liverpool.

"When I joined the club, playing further forward was a role that I played consistently for two years at Swansea, so I guess that was always my number one aim.

"I had a chance before the injury at Chelsea to have a few games in that role and really enjoyed it, so now I'm over this injury it's a case of getting back to training and performing well wherever I'm asked to play and I'm happy to do that.

"Steven has been great for us. You always say that the top players can play anywhere and that was obviously going to be the case with Stevie.

"He's got the ability to do anything. In the Everton game especially you could see he played a massive part and did brilliantly."

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Allen believes flexibility is a key facet of Rodgers' current Liverpool set-up - and he praised the manner in which the squad has coped with noticeable absences in recent months.

He added: "I think over the course of the season there's always spells where [players are out injured].

"That was another positive from the Everton game; to win as comprehensively as that with the injury list we had was a sign of the strength we have got in our squad and the confidence we have in each other."

After the euphoria of the derby win in midweek, Allen insists Liverpool will not be taking their foot off the gas when they go to the Hawthorns on Sunday.

And with Pepe Mel's side battling for every point, the Welshman insists the Reds will not underestimate their opponents.

He added: "From a motivational point of view, those big derby matches can take care of themselves but I don't think that's a big issue in this changing room and we treat every game the same.

"At other clubs it might be, but the type of personalities and characters we have and the hunger the players have to really achieve something this season means you never feel people are going to be complacent or take their foot off the pedal.

"I think everyone knows the massive aim and task we've got on our hands this season. We appreciate that things change every week in the Premier League, so every game is just as important. We are looking to keep this momentum going and hopefully we can get three more points at the weekend.

"When you go into the second half of the season, every game is difficult, especially when teams are down towards the bottom end and they are really scrapping and fighting for every point.

"We've got to make sure we stick to our principles and our game plan and we've got to be confident with the quality that we've got here that we can go out and give everything. Hopefully that will be enough to come home with the points."

The Baggies will go into the game reeling after they lost 4-3 to their local rivals Aston Villa midweek. Mel's side surrendered a two-goal lead; however, despite the defeat, Allen knows all too well about the quality they have at their disposal.

"You hope that defeat will affect them in a negative way but we can't expect that," he said. "I think if anything, after losing a game like that, especially in a derby game, they will be looking forward to getting straight back out onto the pitch to try and get a result.

"We will certainly have to be on our toes and they are a team that probably shouldn't be in the position they are, which shows they have got quality to perform on the day."