Joe Allen has returned from international retirement and will be part of Wales’ squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Montenegro.
The 34-year-old midfielder had stepped away from international football in February 2023, citing “time and injuries” as reasons for his decision.
However, new Wales manager and former teammate Craig Bellamy has successfully convinced Allen to rejoin the national team.
Despite limited game time this season, with only a few substitute appearances for Swansea City in the Sky Bet Championship, Allen’s experience is seen as crucial.
The former Liverpool and Stoke City midfielder was a key figure in Wales’ historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning a spot in the tournament’s official team.
He also represented Wales at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, though injuries hampered his impact in Qatar.
Allen’s return comes at a crucial time, with fellow midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu sidelined due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
In addition, Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies returns to the squad after a two-year absence due to injury, alongside Bournemouth forward David Brooks and Ipswich duo Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns, who also missed the start of the Nations League campaign.
Bellamy, who began his tenure with a solid 0-0 draw against Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey and a 2-1 win over Montenegro, has named a 25-man squad for the matches.
Wales will face Iceland on October 11 before hosting Montenegro in Cardiff three days later.
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