Jurgen Klopp has described Joe Allen as a "player with quality" following the midfielder's performances in cup competitions for Liverpool this season.

The Wales international has featured just once in the Premier League since the manager's appointment, but has been a regular in the Europa League and League Cup, getting an assist in the 6-1 win over Southampton earlier this week.

The manager told reporters: "At this moment I don't think about contracts or anything like this. This is the season we have to play. Joe did really well against Bordeaux and then it was not my easiest decision in life to leave him out against Swansea.

"I know about his story with Swansea but sometimes you cannot be the human being you want to be, you have to be the manager. It was okay and against Southampton he was really strong and played the perfect pass for Daniel [Sturridge]. When Southampton were aggressive he had the solution in the small spaces. He is a player with quality."

Allen, who joined Liverpool from Swansea in 2012, has 18 months remaining on his contract at Anfield.