Leon Britton hailed Wales manager Craig Bellamy’s decision to bring Joe Allen back into the international fold as a “good move”.
Central midfielder Allen retired from Wales duty little more than two months after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was included in Bellamy’s squad for his country’s Nations League matches with Iceland and Montenegro this month.
Allen was omitted from the 23-man matchday squad for Friday night’s 2-2 draw in Iceland, although he is expected to be included for Monday night’s contest against Montenegro at Cardiff City Stadium (19:45 BST).
The need for a midfielder is all the more pressing given that Ethan Ampadu is sidelined through injury, while Jordan James is suspended for the visit of Montenegro – paving the way for Allen to feature in some shape or form.
Ahead of the game, Bellamy said on Allen: “Hopefully he kicks a ball for me tomorrow [Monday].”
And former Swans midfielder Britton believes the experience Allen will bring to the international setup will only benefit Wales.
“I don’t know how much he’ll play. He’s coming towards the end of his career,” Britton said on the Feast of Football podcast.
“But you can understand why Craig wants him in his squad, because of the experience he’s got, helping the younger players.
“It might not be on the pitch as such, but it’ll be in the lead-up to games, on the training pitch with his experience of playing in big games and big tournaments.
“I think it’s only a plus for the squad. I’m sure Craig would have spoken with Joe about the minutes that he’ll play.
“I’m sure Joe is not expecting to start all the time or play as many minutes as he has before, but he’ll know his role in that squad will be to try and help the younger players with his experience.
“I think it’s a really good move from Craig Bellamy to get him back, and it’s great to see Joe Allen back in the fold.”
The full episode of Feast of Football is available now.
