Joe on fitness, form and consistency aims

The Wales international was missing from action due to a minor hip problem when the Reds were held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarter-final at Anfield on Sunday.

Prior to the tie, Allen had racked up six consecutive starts for the side, a run which began with an industrious display in the teeming rain as Liverpool battled back against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on February 14.

He played his part in wins over Besiktas and Southampton before turning in an energetic performance against Manchester City, less than three days after the Reds bowed out of the Europa League in Istanbul.

Allen featured against Burnley last week and while he missed the tie with Rovers, the midfielder is confident he will be back in the fold and recovered in time for the clash against his old club on Monday.

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"It was just a minor injury really," Allen told Liverpoolfc.com. "It was sort of touch and go for [the Blackburn] game. It probably would have cost me further down the line, so I sat that one out and I've just been working to get back fit."

Asked specifically if he felt a return against Swansea was achievable, Allen said: "It looks likely. I'm obviously disappointed to have missed the cup game at the weekend, but hopefully that's the only game that this injury will cost me.

"It's disappointing and frustrating, as you'd expect. But I think you try and keep perspective - it was only something small. So, thankfully, and you never want to miss any games, but if it's only one, then it's a small price to pay, I guess."

Allen's display against City at Anfield in the dramatic Premier League encounter was lauded widely as being key to an important 2-1 victory.

While Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho stole the headlines with a pair of sensational strikes, Allen was neat and diligent in the middle of the park, thwarting City throughout the game.

"I love to go out and win games, so when you're part of a performance like that against a team that's the reigning champions, it's a great feeling," said the 24-year-old.

"I think I played really well and I think it was back to the sort of levels I know I can produce. Touch wood, apart from this small niggle, if I can stay fit and keep myself in the team then I can hope to improve those performances more and more.

"The last couple of seasons, when I've started games, I think I've been part of big victories, great team performances and we've won our fair share. I'm proud of that and I think that's where most of my strengths lie."

Rodgers spoke of Allen's 'courage' to get on the ball during the win over City - and the manager also explained why the midfielder is a player who thrives from an extended run in the team.

"I've always felt that," agreed Allen. "I think with more and more gametime and starts, you get your levels up but you also get that consistency back. When you've been out for a while and you come back in, as much as you've been working, it's not quite the same.

"It's not the same as everyone else who has been playing. You do feel a little bit off the pace, I guess. It takes a bit of time. I've always been confident that I can prove that I'm a top player and what I can do at this football club."