Allen: Ibe's progress is no surprise to me

After returning from a successful loan spell with Derby County, the 19-year-old has been handed three starts by Brendan Rodgers and has responded with a host of exemplary displays.

It was Ibe who won the winning penalty as his man-of-the-match display inspired Liverpool to a slender 1-0 victory over Besiktas in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg on Thursday night.

Speaking at a Liverpool FC Foundation event on Friday, Allen was quick to pay tribute to his teammate and the manner in which the youngster has grasped his chance in the first team.

"From the first time I saw him I always knew Jordon had the raw talent to go as far as he wants in the game," Allen told Liverpoolfc.com.

"He has been given his opportunity and he has taken it with both hands, which is great to see and it's like having a new signing, which has been brilliant for the whole team.

"He was brilliant against Besiktas and he won us the penalty. To take a lead into the second leg is really important and we did everything we could to get the goal.

"I know [the goal] came late but we kept a clean sheet and made sure they didn't get an away goal, which was an added bonus."

Allen insists momentum is key for Liverpool as they aim to add silverware to the Anfield trophy cabinet this term.

"That's our aim - to win a trophy," explained the midfielder. "We really have got the talent and we are pushing ourselves to try and win something this season.

"Considering the quite slow start we had I think we have really picked up the pace now and we are building up momentum at the right time in the season."

The Reds will be looking to maintain their recent form when they head to St Mary's Stadium on Sunday to face a Southampton side currently enjoying an impressive season under Ronald Koeman.

The Saints are fifth in the Barclays Premier League and are four points ahead of Liverpool.

Allen believes it's important the Reds take something from the game to maintain their excellent form and keep up their top-four aspirations.

He added: "Southampton really tested us in the first game of the season and we really had to work hard to get the three points.

"We knew they were going to be a team that would do well this season, but they have probably surprised everyone by just how well they have done.

"We know Southampton away will be difficult, but we won there last season, and if we can perform to that level again, hopefully that will be enough to get the three points.

"You have to give them a lot of credit. Three of their key players last season joined us in the summer, so it was always going to be difficult for them, but Koeman came in and has done a magnificent job.

"He has recruited players really well and they have enjoyed a great season. Let's hope we can give them a little bit of disappointment come Sunday night."