Former Liverpool star comes out of retirement to join Craig Bellamy’s Welsh squad | Football | Sport

Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has reversed his decision to hang up his international boots and will now support Wales in their imminent Nations League clashes with Iceland and Montenegro.

After being written off the global stage in February 2023, citing “time and injuries” as to blame for his exit, the experienced 34-year-old was lured back into the Welsh contingent by new gaffer Craig Bellamy, a former team-mate at the field.

Despite not yet leading Swansea’s line-up this season and having been reduced to fleeting appearances off the bench for the Championship side, the 74-cap maestro is set to wear the national shirt once again.

Following the Welsh team’s initial retirement under then boss Rob Page almost two decades ago, Allen expressed: “Playing for Wales has been a huge passion and love in my life, I’ve been very lucky.

“Our nation’s support is inspiring and it gave me immense pride to wear the shirt… so many unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, time and injuries take their toll and so it’s time to pave the way for our next generation. The future of Welsh football is brilliant.”

Swansea midfielder Allen’s legacy as an eminent figure in Welsh football history remains unchallenged.

His contributions during Wales’ fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals were pivotal – subsequently earning him a place in the tournament’s all-star line-up.

The former Liverpool and Stoke player also made his mark at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, although his campaign in Qatar was marred by physical setbacks.

Bellamy revealed a team of 25 for the trip to Iceland on October 11 and Montenegro’s arrival in Cardiff three days later.

Allen’s return is timely as midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu are sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies returns to the squad after a two-year absence caused by injury problems.

Bournemouth striker David Brooks and Ipswich duo Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns are also back after missing the early stages of the Nations League campaign.

Bellamy began his tenure last month with a stunning 0-0 draw at home to Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey and a 2-1 win in Montenegro in Group B4.

Wales full squad

D Ward (Leicester), A Davies (Sheff Utd), K Darlow (Leeds), R Norrington-Davies (Sheff Utd), O Beck (Blackburn, on loan from Liverpool), B Davies (Tottenham), B Cabango (Swansea), J Rodon (Leeds), C Mepham (Sunderland, on loan from Bournemouth), C Roberts (Burnley), N Williams (Nottingham Forest), J Allen (Swansea), J Sheehan (Bolton), J James (Rennes), O Cooper ( Swansea), S Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield), W Burns, N Broadhead (both Ipswich), D Brooks (Bournemouth), B Johnson (Tottenham), H Wilson (Fulham), K Moore (Sheff Utd), M Harris (Oxford), L Koumas (Stoke, on loan from Liverpool), L Cullen (Swansea).