Joe Allen is a vital part of The Reds - Brendan Rodgers

“I saw someone recently criticising Joe Allen for not playing risk passes. Unbelievable – so called pundits who don’t know the dynamics of a team and how it functions,

“Joe, offensively, has more than what a lot of people have seen, just because he’s had to play more of a sitting role. That comes when Lucas is back,”

“He will have a long career here, he’s a wonderful talent and over time people will see what facets he’s got in his game. Over time he will prove an absolute bargain.”

- Brendan Rodgers on Joe Allen