Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen believes he has come of age as Wales prepare for what could be the defining moment of their Euro 2016 campaign . Allen does not grab too many headlines , with the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey for international company , but there 's no denying the effective role he plays in Chris Coleman 's side . The 25-year-old 's game is to break up attacks and get his team moving forward , and it is a role which has gradually won over Reds fans after what he admits was a tricky start to Anfield life following his £15million transfer from Swansea in 2012 . Joe Allen and Gareth Bale train on Wednesday ahead of Wales ' crucial qualifier against Israel on Friday . Allen faces the media ahead of Chris Coleman 's side clash against the group leaders . ' I look back to my first season at Liverpool and I was disappointed with the way I approached it at times , ' Allen said . 'But the last couple of seasons I have certainly learned a lot and improved from that point of view and having those experiences . ' I understand now I have experienced a lot of highs in my career but unfortunately there are times when you will have some lows . 'My dip in form affected my confidence and it was the first time I had experienced that at club level . 'At Swansea it had always been progress really so it was a bit of a setback , but I came through it . As well as holding down a regular place in the Liverpool team in recent months , Allen sees himself as a mainstay of a Wales side which has started the European Championship qualifiers so impressively . Allen is enjoying a run in the Liverpool side and has impressed during the club 's resurgence in recent months . Wales remain unbeaten after four games with an eight-point haul , but they face a serious examination of their qualification credentials against an Israel side top of the group with an unblemished 100 per cent record , . ' I have turned 25 now so I do n't consider myself a young player any more , ' Allen said ahead of Wales ' trip to what is expected to be a hostile Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa on Saturday night . ' I have got enough experience both at club and international level to feel a big part of the squad . 'The experience I have had in the past will hold me in good stead going forward in international football . ' I am getting towards my peak and I hope to keep improving in the next few years and getting better . ' The Wales midfielder admits that he found it difficult during his first season at Liverpool . Wales have not been in such a promising position to end their long wait for a major tournament finals appearance since going close to earning a place at Euro 2004 . On that occasion Wales lost a play-off to Russia and Allen , then a 13-year-old schoolboy , admits the disappointment of that near-miss resonates with a lot of the current squad . ' I was at the Russia game as my school used to go to the Millennium Stadium , ' Allen said . ' I remember the disappointment of that night coming so close as do a lot of the lads . It is extra motivation for us . 'For youngsters and supporters to have experienced that we want to be the group to get there . 'We feel we are getting back to that level , we have quality and much more strength in depth than we have had in the past . '
Wales travel to Israel for a Euro 2016 qualifier that could define campaign . Joe Allen does not grab headlines but plays an effective role for Wales . Midfielder admitted he went though difficult spell when he joined Liverpool . Allen says he has improved as a player after the bad experience .