'It’s why you join a club like Liverpool' says Joe Allen

Saturday 18 Apr 2015
Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen
Joe Allen says the chance to win The FA Cup is exactly why he joined Liverpool.

The Welsh international midfielder joined the Merseyside outfit in a £15 million deal from Swansea in the summer of 2012, just months after the club had lifted the League Cup at Wembley.

That was the last time Liverpool got their hands on a trophy. 

But ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa, Allen says he and his team-mates are determined to add another honour to the club’s proud collection.

Aston Villa v Liverpool

FA Cup semi-final
3pm, Sunday 19 April
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Winners receive £900,000
Live on BT Sport

“It’s the reason you join a club like this,” said Allen. 

“The dream of competing for the top prizes and potentially getting some silverware – there’s a huge incentive for every player here.

“Every single player wants to ensure we get ourselves back there for the final. Everyone is ready to make that leap. 

"We are generally a young squad who are gathering experience and getting better all the time.”

Allen and his team-mates have overcome AFC Wimbledon, Bolton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, and Blackburn Rovers en route to the last four.

But opponents Villa are enjoying an upturn in fortunes themselves since the arrival of Tim Sherwood.

Having defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at White Hart Lane last Saturday, the Villans now sit six points clear of the relegation zone.

And with striker Christian Benteke in red-hot form, firing seven goals in his last five matches, Allen knows the tough challenge that awaits him and his team-mates at the national stadium.

He added: “Villa had a great result on the weekend so they will be raring to go just like we will be. It will make for a great game at a historic venue.”

By Gary Stonehouse Staff Writer