Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana insists he's back stronger than ever after spell on the sidelines: 'I have learned so much from being injured'

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Adam Lallana is overjoyed to have banished the dark days and insisted he has returned stronger after being mentally tested by a horrific thigh injury.

The England international made his first start in the Premier League since May on New Year's Day and his performance in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Burnley was described, simply, by Jurgen Klopp as being 'outstanding'.

Lallana, typically, was one of Liverpool's strongest runners and covered almost 12 kilometres during the 87 minutes he was on the pitch. The fact he was still going strong towards the end was confirmation that his fitness issues were behind him.

Adam Lallana is happy to have banished the dark days and insisted he has returned stronger

He made his first start since returning in the win at Burnley, and was described as 'outstanding'

Those issues began in August when he ruptured his left thigh, a problem that required him to wear a protective brace for more than a month, while a couple of niggling issues in November also held him back but now the 28-year-old is ready to start afresh in 2018.

'It tests different parts of you mentally,' said Lallana. 'But I feel that I have learned so much from being injured, different parts of the game. I have come back strong. I had a couple of little setbacks, a minor blister and then a tight muscle but that is what happens.

'Maybe it is credit to the manager over the last few games, holding me back. I had good training sessions but I am back now. I have lasted a game after being out for four, five months and I am in good shape.

'It has been frustrating for me watching from the sidelines but it is great to see how much we have improved. To be a part of it again is a great feeling. I'm delighted to start back. It's banished the dark days? Exactly that, yeah.'

Klopp, certainly, is just as thrilled to have Lallana available for the second half of the campaign. He will be integral to the manager's plans as he looks to plot a path forward with a series of big games coming up, not least the Champions League last-16 tie with Porto in February.

Boss Jurgen Klopp is thrilled to have Lallana available for the second half of the campaign

Liverpool took 10 points from a possible 12 over the Christmas period, culminating in the dramatic success at Burnley, and Lallana believes the way that result was ground out has given an indication into the kind of form the team has struck.

'The result was absolutely huge,' said Lallana. 'Two 2-1 wins in the last seven days, three wins. It just shows how good our squad is. You don't come here and win easily. You only have to look at their record to see how well they have done. That is a huge statement.

'We were always going to have to deal with bits of pressure. Sam Vokes came on and he is strong, powerful. He wins the majority of balls he goes for in the air. To concede as we did and then go up the other end and get our goal from a set-piece, it shows the steps we have made moving forward.

'We are in amongst the top four, in the last 16 of the Champions League. There are so many great games to look forward to, like the FA Cup. I'm absolutely delighted to be back and part of a winning team again.'

The result against Burnley 'was absolutely huge,' according to the returning Reds star