Joe Allen admits that as Liverpool enjoy a successful run of results it is becoming difficult to dislodge members of a winning team. Boss Brendan Rodgers is reluctant to tinker too much with a winning formula.
Allen told the Liverpool Echo: "Yes it does get harder and harder to get into the team, but that can only be a good thing.
"That's something that's been great this season, the competition for places.
"Stevie's been playing fantastic in recent weeks but also we were able to cope when he wasn't in the team. When Luis (Suarez) was missing at the start of the season we coped with that. That's the difference this season.
"Every player in the squad has really played a part and that's a great thing to have."
The 23-year-old also appears to have shaken off the injury problems which have disrupted his 2013/14 campaign.
He added: "I'm moving forward.
"Before Christmas I enjoyed a good run in the team and I was happy with my own performances and the levels I was getting up to.
"Unfortunately I had a little setback, but I'm now looking forward between now and the end of the season to staying fit and hopefully playing a big part in what could turn out to be a great season."
