Allen tipped to produce his best
Colin Pascoe is sure that Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is ready to produce his finest form now that the Welshman has successfully battled through two troublesome injuries.
The 23-year-old made an encouraging start to life at Anfield after sealing a switch from Swansea during the summer of 2012, impressing fans with his stylish and broad passing range.
A shoulder problem which required surgery brought a premature end to the No.24's maiden season, however, and a hamstring injury then marred his opening to the current campaign.
With the Wales international now available for selection again, though, assistant manager Pascoe - who worked with Allen while both were at the Liberty Stadium - expects excellent results.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "Joe is a great talent, a great player. We haven't seen the best of Joe yet; he's had a couple of injuries.
"He had his shoulder last year, then a hamstring - he had to battle through that. I'm sure, when he has come through all these now, we'll see the best of Joe.
"He's a great manipulator of the ball. He always wants the ball, that's the thing; he always wants to get on the ball. He'll want to score and get goals for the team.
"I wouldn't like to say if he's defensive or attacking - he can play in both positions. When he first came to Liverpool, he played defensive of the three.
"Wherever you put Joe, he'll do his best and he's one of those players that are great to have in the team."