Rodgers a factor in Allen move to Liverpool

Allen completed his move from Swansea, signing a long-term contract with the Merseyside giant.

The 22-year-old was at Anfield to watch Thursday night's Europa League win over FC Gomel and see at first hand the effect Rodgers has already had since he replaced Kenny Dalglish.

And having worked with the Northern Irishman in South Wales, he cannot wait to get started.

"To join back up with him was definitely a big pull for me," Allen told www.liverpoolfc.com.

"Brendan is so passionate about his football. He works day in, day out to improve the team and everyone individually.

"Everyone wants to work alongside someone who has that way about them.

"One of his best things is his man management. He commands the respect of everyone.

"I have a lot of faith that Brendan can bring success.

"I wanted to be part of this project and I've really got a good feeling this football club is going to go from strength to strength in the next couple of seasons."

The move completes a remarkable rise for Allen, who joined the Swansea academy as a nine-year-old.

Allen was part of Swansea's surge to the English Premier League from League One, winning international honours at all levels along the way.

He was one of the inspirations behind the club's return to the top flight, which earned him selection to the Great Britain Olympic squad.

Asked if he would have believed five years ago that this day would come, Allen replied: "No, probably not.

"It was hard to believe at first and very flattering to be linked to a top club like this. It shows you're doing something right, I guess.

"I've always been ambitious and wanting to get to the top but getting there is a completely different thing. It's definitely hard to believe. It's been a quick rise for me."

Allen becomes Rodgers' second signing after the arrival of another former Swansea player, Fabio Borini, who scored the opener on Thursday night.

And he believes that grounding in the lower league will help him in the months that lie ahead.

"If you look at the amount of games I've played for someone my age, that would probably only happen at a team that's come through the leagues," he said.

"That experience has been vital for me.

"I blossomed and improved because of that and I wouldn't change it for the world.

"I feel proud. I am really thrilled and looking forward to my time here."