Liverpool Coach Claims Midfielder's Return Will Be Like New Signing

Liverpool coach Mike Marsh believes that Joe Allen's return will be like a new signing for manager Brendan Rodgers as the midfielder gets back to full fitness after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Allen has been out of action since the hamstring problem arose against Notts County at the end of August. The Reds have been on a good run without him and are currently second in the Premier League table with five wins from their first seven matches of the season.

The 23 year old admitted he is hopeful of being available for selection in the Newcastle game this weekend and Marsh believes that when he makes a return to the pitch he will give Liverpool a serious lift in their ambitions to qualify for Champions League football this season.

He told the Liverpool website: "I'm really looking forward to getting him back in the squad. He started pre-season really well, but obviously he picked up a couple of injuries that have set him back.

"But he'll be like a new addition to the squad. With the shoulder injury that he had and then picking up the next injury, it will be nice to have him back in the squad to boost the numbers."

With Allen back in the mix Brendan Rodgers could be faced with a selection headache as he looks to find the best line-up in midfield.

One player who has become a go-to man across the midfield for Rodgers has been Jordan Henderson, who starred against Crystal Palace in Liverpool's last match and has been employed in a number of positions as the manager experiments with his players.

And Marsh believes that he has taken this in his stride and is showing he will be a capable player for Liverpool in the long term.

"Jordan has been outstanding in all the games," Marsh explained. "He's able to play anywhere across the line and he's played wing-back on occasions. His attitude and enthusiasm for the game is there for all to see.

"His technical and tactical qualities have shone through. He's been excellent.

"He's settled into the position really well. When he plays in the central midfield role, he's more tactically aware and when he plays in the wide role, he provides the energy up and down the lines.

"He's got lots of strings to his bow."