Liverpool's Joe Allen expects table surge with return of Lucas Leiva

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is confident that the Merseyside outfit can climb up the table following the return of Lucas Leiva.

The Reds, who currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, seven points adrift from fourth place, welcomed back Brazilian midfielder Lucas following three months on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

"With him back playing I'm sure we'll get the benefits of that in terms of points and our position in the table," said Allen. "We've closed the gap [to the top four] a bit and for a club like Liverpool, that has to be our target."

Liverpool travel to Upton Park to take on West Ham United this weekend but they will be without striker Luis Suarez, who is banned after receiving his fourth yellow card of the season during the Reds' 1-0 win over Southampton at the weekend.