You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Brendan Rodgers insists Joe Allen is ready to help fire Liverpool’s Premier League title charge as he backed the midfielder to prove he’s a £15million bargain.

The Welshman is expected to get the nod ahead of Lucas Leiva to replace Jordan Henderson for tomorrow’s crunch clash with struggling Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Rodgers admits Henderson, who starts a three-match ban following his late dismissal against Manchester City last weekend, will be missed but the Reds boss has great faith in Allen’s ability to fill the void.

“It’s really unfortunate that Jordan misses the next three games,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“He’s been in such consistent form throughout the season. However, the nature of our squad is that whenever we’ve had players out, others have come in and delivered. We try not to rely on any one player.

“It’s vital you have players who can come in and do a fantastic job. We’re fortunate to have both Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen.

“They have both shown their qualities, particularly Joe in recent weeks. When he’s had the chance to play, he has been exceptional.

“I said when he first came to the club that Joe is an outstanding player. As time goes on and he starts to show that, what the club paid for Joe will be a bargain.

“You look at other midfielders with his qualities, they are going to big clubs for £40million.

“Joe is perfectly suited to this way of working. I have no doubt that in years to come he will be deemed a snip at £15million.”

Allen, who followed Rodgers to Anfield from Swansea City in the summer of 2012, has been hampered by hamstring and groin problems this season but the manager is confident he will be firing on all cylinders during the run-in.

The 24-year-old had made four straight starts last month before losing his place to Raheem Sterling for the visit of Tottenham.

He was an unused substitute at West Ham a fortnight ago before coming off the bench midway through the second half against Man City.

With the Reds on the ropes at 2-2, Allen helped provide some much needed control as Rodgers’ men dug deep and clinched a priceless victory thanks to Philippe Coutinho’s sweet strike.

“Joe made a big impact when he came on against City and really contributed to the game,” Rodgers said.

“He was unfortunate to come out of the team for one game last month after a good run in the side. He was down to start against West Ham but got a knock and wasn’t 100% right.

“Joe will certainly come into the reckoning for the Norwich game. Lucas is in a really good moment as well. We will put out the team we believe is best suited to winning the game."

Henderson’s suspension brings to an end his run of 54 consecutive league appearances for the club.

Arguably the most improved member of Liverpool’s squad, the England midfielder has been the only ever present outfield player this season.

He may not be able to feature at Carrow Road but he will travel to Norfolk and Rodgers insists Henderson will still make his presence felt.

“Jordan will obviously be a miss in terms of what he has contributed all season,” he said.

“We’ve seen his quality and his personality really grow. It’s been great to see that development in him.

“It’s obviously a big disappointment for Jordan but he will remain part of the squad. He will travel with the players and prepare as if he’s playing.

“He has demonstrated real leadership qualities this season. He is one of the leaders in this squad and how he’s taken that on board has delighted me.

“Maybe he won’t be able to affect the next three games on the pitch but just his presence and being around the team will really help us. He will be encouraging and supporting the players who can play."

With Daniel Sturridge still hampered by a hamstring injury and unlikely to be risked, Rodgers will be forced to make a second change.

He could play both Lucas and Allen but Victor Moses and Iago Aspas are also in contention.

Neither Moses nor Aspas have started a game since January but Rodgers has saluted their attitude and commitment to the cause.

The Reds boss says those on the fringes have played a key role in the club’s title challenge.

“Their application and professionalism has been absolutely phenomenal. I really take my hat off to them,” he said.“It’s not easy because ultimately you play football for the games.

“Guys like Iago Aspas, Victor Moses, Luis Alberto, Joao Carlos Teixeira.... Martin Kelly hasn’t even been on the bench but he’s still training at 150% every single day.

“Then there’s Brad Jones, a loyal No 2 keeper, who gives everything in every training session.

“Those players have shown wonderful professionalism with ensuring they are prepared both mentally and physically. We are only as good as we are because of the squad.

“In order to play the brand of football we play and score all these goals, it means having to work tirelessly with quality every single day. You can only do that if you are being challenged by people around you.

“Only 11 players can start a game but there is another group outside that, who have to be focused and train well for everyone to improve.

“Those players have been unfortunate in that the team has been winning games and we haven’t had to make many changes but huge credit to them. We are where we are because of those players.”

More Liverpool FC news

Watch: Liverpool FC's Luis Suarez and Everton FC's Leighton Baines star in Adidas' new 'Unlock the Game' advert

Gallery: Liverpool fans take "Make Us Dream" banner to Melwood

David Prentice: History really can make your heart go whoah, oh, oh, oh!

Liverpool's Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge nominated for PFA Player of the Year