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Adam Lallana has vowed to show Liverpool fans his true colours this season after a frustrating first year at Anfield.

The England international wasn’t able to live up to his price tag following his £25million move from Southampton.

Knee ligament damage suffered during the pre-season tour of America meant he missed the start of the campaign and on his return he was hampered by a succession of niggling injuries.

There were flashes of his undoubted ability but he struggled for consistency.

He’s also honest enough to admit that it took time to get to grips with the pressures of life at Anfield.

“Yes, definitely, because it was a completely different thing to what I was used to,” Lallana said.

“A combination of different factors make it difficult for any player moving to a new club.

“I have just got to embrace it and I must admit I am enjoying it, with the fan base that we have got and I do think I have got a good relationship with the fans. They backed me in my first season and I am going to embrace it again.”

Now fit and healthy, and having found the net in both of Liverpool’s opening tour matches in Bangkok and Brisbane, he’s looking to the future with relish.

“Last summer was strange with the World Cup, the transfer and then going to America and getting injured straight away.

“I had a bit of a frustrating season. I feel like I’ve got that couple of extra levels to hit and I’m sure that is going to happen.

“I feel very settled at the club now. I’m not the new guy anymore, I feel like one of the experienced ones, especially when you look at the players who have left.

“I’m not young anymore, I’m 27 and I feel at my peak. I can’t wait to get going and show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Brendan Rodgers wants leaders to provide support for new captain Jordan Henderson and Lallana, who skippered Saints, is ready to step up.

“Yeah, I feel that responsibility,” he said.

“I feel that is part of my game as I’ve developed over the years. I feel like a big character in the dressing room and it is great when you have six or seven of them.

“We all share the roles. It makes the lads settle when you have got that good dressing room.”

Some players struggle to settle having swapped the south of England for the north but Lallana has put down roots in Formby.

Wife Emily gave birth to their second son Albie seven weeks ago. They also have two-year-old Arthur.

“It is more hands on having two kids but I can’t take any of the credit as my wife is slogging away back home and I’m out here,” he said, with the Reds having flown on to Adelaide on the third leg of their tour.

“Being settled off the field certainly leads to better performances. That is why it is so difficult for players that come from abroad that don’t speak the language.

“For (Roberto) Firmino it will be nice that he has a couple of Brazilians in the team and it is another great signing for us and I look forward to linking up with him.

“I really feel a good bond at Liverpool and something special with this group of lads.”

It’s the start of a new era for the Reds as they enter a season without Steven Gerrard for the first time in nearly two decades,

“It is odd not having Stevie around,” he said.

“Everyone will tell you that it is weird. But we need to move on.

“He is moving on, we are following how he is getting on and he has made his competitive debut.

“All the lads still speak to him and I am sure we will see him back at Melwood in due course.”

Gerrard may have gone but with the likes of Firmino and James Milner coming in, Lallana knows that there will be a battle to secure a starting spot.

“I think that helps you. When you are in the elite competitions, you need big squads,” he added.

“You are not going to play every game. It is about working hard in training and getting better and better. It’s about making sure the manager picks you.”

(Image: Gavin Trafford)

Lallana believes working with Gary McAllister, the Reds’ new first-team coach, can help him to flourish.

“He will be a massive influence. I remember watching him for Leeds and Liverpool,” he said.

“With Stevie leaving, it’s nice having someone who was here a few years ago and just being able to relate to them about football matters that another member of the coaching staff might not be able to.

“It’s all about getting the balance right, bouncing ideas off each other so you can help the team.

“I think the balance of the backroom staff is brilliant and it has got the makings of a good year.”