Allen vows to improve poor Liverpool form

06-Feb-2013 2:50:00 PM

The 22-year-old midfielder has fallen down the Anfield pecking order in recent weeks but remains determined to force his way back into manager Brendan Rodgers' plans

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is hoping a return to the Liberty Stadium this week with the Wales national team will provide the kickstart his campaign desperately needs.

Chris Coleman's side entertain Austria in a friendly on Wednesday and the 22-year-old is keenly aware of how his performances have dropped in recent weeks.

It comes in stark contrast to the exceptional early-season form shown by Allen after initially making his move from Swansea to Anfield in the summer and he remains determined to force his way back into the starting XI, allaying any fears that his slump is connected to his hefty £15 million price-tag in the process.


LATEST
7/1	Joe Allen is 7/1 to score anytime for Wales against Austria with Coral

"I’d never put it down to [the price-tag]. Whether that has affected me or not, I don’t really know," he told reporters.

"Everyone knows my form hasn't been great. It’s been disappointing not to have been involved in every game.

"But it’s up to me now to work hard and get myself back in the team and improve my level of performance.

"It’s always nice to go back to Swansea. You try and separate club and international duties but I’m delighted to be back."

The Reds currently sit seventh league, nine points adrift of Tottenham in fourth, while the Welsh national team are fifth out of six in their World Cup qualifying group and Allen believes that both club and country are not getting the credit or points that their performances have merited.

He added: "It’s almost the story of the season. We’ve deserved more than we’ve got and Sunday’s game at Manchester City was probably a prime example of that.

"It’s similar here [with Wales]. Both are positive and looking to the future and the biggest thing is everyone has that faith and belief that things will turn around for the better.

"I’d like to think the New Year is a fresh start for Wales. The results over the last few games haven’t been as good as we’d hoped for. We’re looking to improve

"Consistency is key. In international football you don’t get the chance to work with each other that often so it’s important that, when you get together, you can get your ideas and philosophy across."

Inside Goal.Com

Why Ancelotti is the right man to deliver La Decima
In the aftermath of the announcement of Mourinho's imminent departure from Real Madrid, Brendon Netto discusses why Ancelotti could be an able replacement.
Milan would be foolish to let go of Allegri
The Rossoneri coach's future has been mired in doubt despite the club finishing within the Champions League spots after a dismal start to the season...
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel