Last updated on .From the section Welsh

Joe Allen has won 19 caps since making his Wales debut against Estonia in 2009

Wales midfielder Joe Allen says he has opened talks with Liverpool over a new contract.

Allen joined Liverpool from Swansea City for £15m in August 2012 and has made over 80 appearances.

The 24-year-old has just over two years left on his current deal and is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

"We're at the early stages at the moment but the signs are good," he said.

"From my point of view I'm looking to commit my future here and hopefully I can be here for years to come.

"For me it's just a case of playing regularly and putting in consistent performances.

"I've always been confident that I'll able to be successful here."

Allen has recovered from the hip injury which forced him to miss the scoreless FA Cup quarter final against Blackburn Rovers last Sunday.

He will be available to face his former side Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Monday, a fixture the Welshman is relishing.

"It's a club that means so much to me and the club I still support," Allen told BBC Wales Sport.

"Unfortunately I missed the game at the Liberty last season so I've been really looking forward to this game for a long time.

"We understand it's going to be a tough game at the Liberty.

"They've beaten some big clubs there this season and we all know we've got to go there and give 100%.

"It's going to be a tough game to get the three points but with us challenging for those top places it's a very important game."