Liverpool's wish to play Joe Allen in friendly against Bayer Leverkusen is blocked by Swansea City

Although frustrated he was unable to integrate Allen into the squad, Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager formerly in charge of Swansea, was pleased the £15 million signing was finally complete.

“Joe will fit in very well. I like technically gifted players and I like good people, and he is a very humble young guy. He is a very talented boy,” said Rodgers.

After an encouraging Europa League victory in midweek, there was more promise on display in a game in which former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia – now Leverkusen manager – returned to Merseyside.

Carroll offered a timely reminder of his abilities given the doubts surrounding his future, scoring from 25 yards in the 66th minute, although it did owe plenty to poor goalkeeping from Bernd Leno.

“It was a clever move, the big guy has had stick that he can’t play this way but he took the goal nicely,” said Rodgers.

Earlier, teenager Raheem Sterling confirmed his emergence with a fine individual strike, cutting in from the left wing before swerving his shot low into the bottom corner.

Lucas, fully recovered from his injury problems, added a second before half-time prior to a multitude of pre-season substitutions. Sidney Sam struck a consolation for the Germans.

“The players were excellent and you can see the idea of the team improving,” said Rodgers. “They are taking on board the tactical concept. We showed control and domination and I’m pleased where we are at.”

It concluded a convincing pre-season for Rodgers, although having heard the names of his predecessor Kenny Dalglish and his opposing manager Hyypia chime from the Kop in successive games, he must be looking forward to the afternoon Anfield starts to show its appreciation of a new man at the helm.

Rodgers humbly accepted that will take time.

“I have a lot to prove here,” he said. “I’m the sure that the majority of supporters are still not sure about me but I will fight for my right to be here.”

Match details

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Coates, Enrique (Robinson 46); Lucas (Spearing 46), Shelvey; Downing (Henderson 46), Gerrard (Adam 46), Sterling; Suarez (Carroll 46).
Sub: Jones.
Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Leno; Schwaab (Carvajal 68), Wollscheid, Toprak (Hosogai 46), Kadlec (Castro 46); Reinartz, Bender (Hegeler 68); Bellarabi, Rolfes, Schurrle (Sam 46); Kiessling (Fernandes 70).
Subs: Friedrich, Yelldell, Carlinhos.
Referee: M Atkinson.