Head coach Luke Williams says Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen is “excited” by talks of a potential Wales return after confirming an approach from Wales coach Craig Bellamy.
Allen, 34, won 74 Wales caps before retiring from international duty in 2023 to focus on his club form and fitness.
When asked about reports that Bellamy had spoken to Allen about a return, Williams said: “I believe so. I completely understand why because Joe’s a fantastic player who still has a lot to offer. So I think it can only be a good thing.”
“We have had a chat,” Williams added. “I think it’s something that really excites him. But I think between myself and Joe we’re not picking the [Wales] squad. So it’s a conversation at the moment. It’s a flattering conversation. I’m certainly supporting Joe, but at the moment it’s just a conversation.
“If he does get called up then fantastic, but if not even just the contact and the phone call has been really positive.”
Williams says he sees “nothing negative” if Allen does choose to link up with Wales again but stressed that a decision has not yet been made by the player.
The Swans coach says talks between Bellamy and Allen were conducted recently and that the Wales boss has watched a lot of the veteran midfielder in the Championship so far this season.
“I think Craig will obviously be more than aware of Joe,” Williams said.
“He’s been at a few of our games, I believe. So he will have seen some game time with Joe as well,” added Williams.
“So I believe it’s a fairly recent thing. But I think everybody knows the quality of Joe Allen and what he can do. If you can see him on the pitch in a Championship game, you know that he’s fit for purpose and he’s ready to play.
“I can’t see anything negative about it I think, because it would be a huge boost for him. I’ve been very open about how incredible I think the set-up is at the moment with the national team and the more of our players that can be involved in that the better.”
Williams says Wales duty has been good for his other players, such as Liam Cullen and Ollie Cooper.
“I think the guys that went to the last camp came back in a really positive frame of mind,” he added.
“I think Craig and his team really take time to look after the players individually because they know that the clubs have different training schedules and the players are in different places. Some have played more football or less football and need individual programmes, and they’ve been very accommodating with that.
“Joe will be no different. Joe will be looked after and in a very professional way. So I think it’s only positive, really.”
