'Kop has part to play between now and May'
Joe Allen is convinced Liverpool's supporters can hand the team a massive boost between now and the end of the season after watching them rally behind the side on Wednesday night.
Allen was gobsmacked by the greeting which lay in wait for the players as their coach turned onto Anfield Road and approached the Shankly Gates.
Flags and banners, usually reserved for display inside the ground during the minutes leading to kick-off, were carried onto the pavements as the team bus was given a guard of honour.
The unyielding support didn't stop there. Fans clustered at the front corners of the Kop to cheer the team on as they were put through their warm-up routines.
'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung with the sort of passion usually reserved for European nights and chants rang out as Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge put Liverpool 2-0 up.
After Ki Sung-Yeung halved the deficit to set up a nail-biting finish, the supporters came to the fore once again, roaring the Reds over the line for a vital three points.
"Since I've been here, that's probably the best support we have received," Allen told the Liverpool Echo. "That support makes a massive difference.
"It's one of the reasons why our home form has been so good this season. The difference in our record at home this season compared to last is incredible and the fans are a big part of that.
"We are looking forward to them playing a big part in all the games between now and May.
"I didn't know they were planning it, the welcome outside the ground. It was a great surprise. The support was incredible from when the team bus arrived right through to the final whistle.
"It was an incredible welcome for us as players. Since I've been here, I think the support we got on Wednesday night was the best yet.
"All night the fans were fantastic. They really lifted us when we needed them. They helped us get over the line."