Tuesday 12 April 2016 15:23, UK
Joe Allen is confident of making Liverpool's starting line-up for their crunch Europa League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield on Thursday night.
The midfielder impressed after replacing the injured Jordan Henderson at half-time in Germany last week and then made his fourth Premier League start of the season in Liverpool's 4-1 victory over Stoke at Anfield on Sunday.
Victory over Dortmund would put Liverpool into the semi-finals of the competition and within sight of a major trophy.
The Reds appear to hold the upper hand after Divock Origi's goal earned them a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
And Allen is confident of being included in manager Jurgen Klopp's line-up.
"You always hope," he said. "It's a huge game and every single player in the squad is hoping they're going to get the nod to start.
"There's huge competition. I think that's a real strength at the moment and we showed that making the changes that we did [against Stoke].
"To still win as comfortably as we did shows everyone's in good nick. That will hold us in good stead I'm sure on Thursday night.
"The result we got out there was a positive one in many ways.
"For them to have to come to Anfield with the atmosphere, which I'm pretty sure will be electric; the supporters will be right behind us and at the same time will be making it difficult for their players.
"Let's hope we can give absolutely everything and get ourselves into the next round."
Klopp hinted that Allen will be included, saying: "He was brilliant. We only took him off because we need him.
"Joe is not at 100 per cent fitness. He's a really, really good player. Now hopefully he stays healthy and fit and we have another really good option."
The Welshman looks to be fighting for his long-term future as well, with his contract up at the end of next season and no new deal on the table.
Swansea were rebuffed in their attempts to take their former player on loan in January but Allen accepts he is playing for his place at Anfield.
He said: "At a club like Liverpool I think you always are. Maybe more so now than ever before but it's not something I've thought too much about and focused too much on. It's just a case of looking forward to games like Thursday night."
