Life can’t get much sweeter for Joe Allen after being named Liverpool Standard Chartered Player of the Month for August and also becoming a father for the first time.

The Premier midfield star who signed from Swansea City for £15 million in the summer, has quickly settled into life at Anfield.

Welsh international Allen received 38% of the votes in the club’s online poll to see off 17-year-old Raheem Sterling (26%) and Luis Suarez (18%).

Manager Brendan Rodgers presented the 22- year-old with a trophy and bottle of champagne.

There was cause for a double celebration for Allen when he became a proud father for first time last week.

“It’s very flattering.”

Allen told the club’s official website. “I’ve been welcomed here with open arms and settled really well into the dressing room and the city. Obviously this is a good way to start my career here.

“The thing I’m most pleased about is the way that I’ve gelled with my teammates.

“We seemed to be on the same wavelength straight away, which is great because as a new player coming into the team you worry it might take time for me to find my feet.

“Luckily, things have gone well for me personally and I’m really enjoying being part of this football team.”

This Sunday, Liverpool entertain rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

Ironically, United was the club that Allen supported growing up in Narberth and attending Ysgol y Preseli.