Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has talked up the strength in depth of the squad this season.

The Wales international is behind the likes of Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho in the Reds' engine room, but the £15m signing from Swansea City insists that the competition for a starting berth will only serve to benefit the club in the long run.

The Liverpool Echo quotes him as saying: "It does get harder and harder to get into the team. But that can only be a good thing.

"That's something that's been great this season, the competition for places."

The Reds are currently fourth in the Premier League.