Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant Britain can produce players

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant Britain can produce players as technically proficient as their continental counterparts.

Brendan Rodgers hopes to train players like Joe Allen

Rodgers has endured a difficult start to his reign at Anfield, with his style of play taking time to take hold at the Merseyside club.

The Northern Irishman places a premium on technical ability in his midfielders - describing Joe Allen and Arsenal's Santi Cazorla as "the two best players on the field, the two little guys, the technicians" after last week's defeat to the Gunners - but such comfort in possession is generally a characteristic more commonly ascribed to foreign players.

Joe Allen has vowed to repay Brendan Rodgers' faith in him by helping Liverpool to success.

Joe Allen has vowed to repay Brendan Rodgers' faith in him by helping Liverpool to success.

Allen: feels he owes Rodgers

Allen, 22, has made an impressive start to his Anfield career since following manager Rodgers from Swansea.

Signing for £15 million just before the start of the season, he was a stand-out player on his home debut as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Manchester City on Sunday.

He has hailed Rodgers' influence on his career, and wants to return the favour by ensuring the manager drags Liverpool back towards the top four after last season's eighth-place finish under Kenny Dalglish.

New Liverpool signing Joe Allen has credited the late Gary Speed with playing a huge part in his rise.

New Liverpool signing Joe Allen has credited the late Gary Speed with playing a huge part in his rise.

PA PhotosJoe Allen has nine caps for Wales

Allen, 22, blossomed as a central midfielder for Wales under the management of Speed, who died last November.

The youngster became one of the most talked-about midfielders in the Premier League at Swansea last season, with his 91% pass completion rate better than that of Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

Brendan Rodgers played a key part in the Allen's development as his manager at the Liberty Stadium before taking him to Liverpool for £15 million.

Michael Laudrup has told Liverpool that they will have to dig deep to prise Joe Allen away from Swansea.

Michael Laudrup has told Liverpool that they will have to dig deep to prise Joe Allen away from Swansea.

GettyImagesJoe Allen's future has been in question during his time with Great Britain at the Olympics

Swansea appear resigned to losing Allen, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers making clear his desire to sign a player he nurtured during his time with the Welsh club. But the Swans do not have to sell and with that in mind they will look to eke out every last pound from Liverpool.

It had appeared that £15 million would be enough to secure Allen, but Laudrup has suggested that figure could be on the low side.

"Joe is worth a lot of money," Laudrup said.

"Their manager knows if he wants to change the way Liverpool play he needs a midfielder like Joe who is young and can play at the highest level.

Swansea City have confirmed that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing midfielder Joe Allen

Reds interest in Allen confirmed

Swansea City have confirmed that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing midfielder Joe Allen, despite an agreement with the Welsh side that Brendan Rodgers cannot approach his former players within 12 months.

PA PhotosJoe Allen will represent Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics

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Allen, 22, has been strongly linked with a locomote to City as previous Swans pol Rodgers looks to reinforce his midfield options upward of his launching mollify in guardianship at Anfield.

Rodgers had united, tho', that as construct of his transfer he would not piss an approximate for any of his ex-players unless a contestant lodge makes a bid for their services, but it has been advisable on Weekday a issue subdivision in Gracie's sicken could pave the way for an issue.

Laudrup won't block Allen exit

Swansea boss Archangel Laudrup is relieve yet to acquire an wage from Port for midfielder Joe Player but says he would not table in the way of the 22-year-old should he compliments to pass.

PA PhotosJoe Allen is currently with Team GB at the Olympics