Joe Allen: I feel like a Liverpool fan after injury lay-off

Joe Allen says his injury lay-off has left him feeling like a Liverpool fan as he approaches his return to fitness.

The Wales international has not featured for the Reds since 27 August after picking up a hamstring injury in the League Cup clash against Notts County.

However, the 23-year-old is on course to make a return to first-team action and could be available for selection for Liverpool’s next game against Newcastle United on 19 October.

And Allen says he has enjoyed taking things in from a new perspective as he underwent his rehabilitation.

“First and foremost, you wish you were playing – that’s natural,” Allen told Liverpool’s website.

“But you see things from a different perspective and you appreciate the role everyone plays in the team. We’ve had such a great start to the season.

“It has been a pleasure to watch, at times I feel like a bit of a fan.

“Long may that continue and hopefully I can add to the already great performances we’ve had.”

Allen also pointed to Daniel Sturridge’s superb run of form as an example for him during his recovery process.

“It’s another worry you have when you have been out for a while – how is it going to affect your performances when you get out there?” he continued.

“But you look at someone like Daniel Sturridge, he was worked so hard during his rehab to make sure he’s in great shape getting back out there.

“You can see from how well he is doing that it’s possible to get straight back into the swing of things.”