Joe Allen isn't far away from battling his way back into Liverpool's midfield, according to Jürgen Klopp, who has been impressed by his recent performances.
The Welshman has made just one Barclays Premier League start under the German since his appointment in October, but has made the most of his opportunities off of the bench and in cup competitions.
Indeed, within the last few weeks, the 25-year-old has made a number of pivotal contributions recently, including scoring a last-minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Arsenal, scoring the first of a 3-0 FA Cup third-round replay win over Exeter City and helping the Reds into the Capital One Cup final.
Having assisted Jordon Ibe's winner in the first-leg with Stoke City, Allen kept his nerves to fire the decisive penalty in a second-leg penalty shoot-out victory.
The No.24 has still found minutes hard to come by in the league under Klopp, despite captaining the team for the first time against West Ham United in the FA Cup at Anfield to cap off his recent resurgence.
Reds boss taking note of Allen's improved displays
But Klopp says Allen's form is putting him into contention given the Reds' recent failings in the middle of the field.
Speaking before his side's home clash with Sunderland this weekend, the boss explained that the midfielder is "very close" to another start in the league.
With fans left disappointed after he was left on the bench for their midweek loss at Leicester City, Klopp revealed that after coming on he got "a little knock on the shoulder" and said that whilst it' "not the biggest problem" it is still "a little problem."
"Hopefully, everything is okay," insisted Klopp, who said he and his medical team must "see how he feels" going into the game against the struggling Black Cats.
He reiterated that Allen is "very close" and in "obviously good shape" as he battles for a chance, with Klopp saying that him being fully fit is "very important" for the squad.