North East Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Matt Grimes believes Joe Allen's international return can "only be positive" for Wales.

Midfielder Allen retired from international duty little more than two months after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but has been included in Craig Bellamy's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro.

And Swansea City captain Grimes says Allen's international recall will provide a "massive boost" to the Wales squad.

"He's an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable player," Grimes told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think it's a massive boost for Wales and their lads because he's just a brilliant player. It can only be positive.

"Joe gives you so much more than just the football. He's an unbelievable leader and character on and off the pitch, just having him there with his experience is unbelievable."

Grimes has been a mainstay for the Swans since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2018.

The Swansea skipper is now one of the key senior figures under Luke Williams, although he admits the experience of Allen and Kyle Naughton have been hugely beneficial when it comes to improving his own leadership qualities.

"I learn off a lot of the senior players that have been here over the years," added Grimes.

"Joe and Naughts are the two now, they've done everything in their careers.

"They've played at the highest level. You'd be a fool if you didn't draw inspiration from them."

Image source, Rex Features

Luke Williams says he is "suffering" on Josh Tymon's behalf after the Swansea City defender's own goal handed Sheffield United victory over his side.

The left-back volleyed Harrison Burrows' cross into his own net on the stroke of half-time at Bramall Lane as the Blades secured a 1-0 win to end Swansea's three-game unbeaten run.

As Tymon cut a dejected figure while walking off the pitch at half-time, the defender was consoled by several members of Swansea's coaching staff, including Williams.

And the head coach urged the 25-year-old to keep his head up as Swansea prepare to return to action against Tymon's former club Stoke City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"He's (Tymon) been a brilliant player for us. We love him. I don't want him to feel so terrible when he's doing everything right," Williams told BBC Radio Wales.

"It's not like a sloppy error from a player out of focus or making a terrible decision.

"He gives everything week-in week-out and he tried to scoop the ball away from danger and this happened.

"I'm suffering for him and I couldn't wait to tell him that I trust him and tell him not to dwell on it.

"He's a top player, he's going to be fine."