Joe Allen excited by Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has heaped praise on Jordan Ibe after the youngster impressed in yesterday's Merseyside derby.

Ibe spent a spell on loan at Derby County earlier this season and has come back to the Reds to be a part of Brendan Rodgers's plans for the rest of the campaign.

He came closest to breaking the deadlock in the draw with Everton at Goodison Park, rattling the post with a long-range drive.

Allen told reporters: "He is an incredible talent. I saw him as a 16/17-year-old a couple of years ago and I thought, 'This guy has everything to go really far'. He came in and proved that and with that performance he will be staking a claim for the starting XI.

"His raw attributes - his pace and power - and his ability to beat people for pace with the ball is frightening at times. That, coupled with the hard work he puts in, combined with the experience he has had on loan and getting games, has helped him come back stronger.

"He always seems confident when he goes out to play. He is a great player to have in our squad. That is what this club have been building over the last three years. They are still all young players and that is what is great from our point of view."

Both Allen and Ibe are in contention for selection when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.