Joe Allen is confident he can return to the sort of sparkling form he demonstrated at the start of his Liverpool career when the 2013-14 season gets underway in 10 days time.
After moving to Anfield in August last year, the midfielder was one of the stand-out performers during the opening exchanges of his first league campaign in a red shirt.
However, the Wales international was forced to undergo surgery in March to repair an ongoing shoulder problem.
Now fully recovered, Allen has enjoyed a promising preseason so far, including a goal against Olympiacos in Steven Gerrard‘s testimonial last weekend.
“My challenge is to get back playing at the level I was at early last season,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “That’s the plan.”
“I managed to hit the ground running when I first signed.
“Things didn’t carry on like that but from the first minute this season I want to give my best and produce good performances for the team.”
While Allen admits last year was difficult at times, the 23-year-old insists he’s adapted to the pressures of being a Liverpool player.
He’s now relishing the prospect of pushing on when the new season begins against Stoke at Anfield next Saturday.
“This is a fresh start and I’m looking forward to playing a big part,” said Allen. “Last season was tough. But I suppose things like that can give you broader shoulders. It’s at the stage now where I feel it’s completely behind me.
“It was tough but it comes with the territory of being a player at Liverpool. You have to deal with it and get through it.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
