Wales midfielder Joe Allen admits Liverpool injury frustration

Wales Joe Allen

Wales midfielder Joe Allen says being sidelined at Liverpool is frustrating but he is determined to win back his place in the Anfield side.

Allen, 23, had a shoulder operation in March and then picked up a hamstring injury in September.

He has featured four times for his club and played a total of just 83 minutes for Liverpool so far this season.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating at times," said Allen, the former Swansea City midfielder.

"I'm working hard and waiting patiently for my chance, but Liverpool is a massive club and we are having a great season.

"The competition for places is really good and you want that at a top club and I have to work as hard as I can to get back into the fold.

"You want to see your team doing well, especially when you are out injured - the lift you get is from seeing your team doing well.

"Hopefully with the momentum we are gaining now we can keep going and in an ideal world I would like to be a big part of that."

Allen signed for Liverpool in a deal thought to be worth £15m in August 2012, setting a new record fee for a Welsh player before Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid in a world record £85m deal.

Since his injuries, Allen has been forced to watch Brazilian Philippe Coutinho and England's Jordan Henderson lay their claims for a place in the midfield alongside Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.

Allen's last game for Wales was in the 0-0 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff in August and he has missed his country's last four games, but returns for Saturday's friendly against Finland at Cardiff City Stadium.

"It feels like forever since I last met up (with Wales)," said Allen.

"It's great to be back and see all the lads in the squad and it is a chance to make up for lost time.

"Any footballer gets frustrated when they miss games, but to miss them for your country and important qualifiers is tough to deal with.

"I have learnt with football that it is part of the profession."

Allen is joined by Real's Bale and Arsenal's in-form Aaron Ramsey in a strong squad for the friendly against Finland, which will see manager Chris Coleman send out his side after signing a new two-year contract.

"It is just great to have so many of us fit and here and ready to go," said Allen.

"The back end of last season I had my shoulder operation which laid me off and then having a full pre-season, it was a frustrating time with injury.

"It set me back again but I am thankfully back fit now."