Joe Allen: Swansea City midfielder 'would never say no' to Wales Euro 2024 call

Joe Allen acknowledges Rob Page after being substituted in his final Wales appearance in November 2022

Joe Allen says he would "never say no" to Rob Page if the Wales manager asked him to come out of international retirement for Euro 2024.

Allen, who turned 34 this week, called time on his Wales career 13 months ago.

The Swansea City midfielder now says he would make himself available for a potential Euro 2024 appearance, though he does not expect a call from Page.

Wales play Finland in a Euro 2024 play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.

Should they win that tie, Wales will host either Poland or Estonia five days later knowing victory would see them reach this summer's tournament in Germany.

Allen was asked how he would respond should Wales reach a third successive European Championship and Page then invited him to return to the international fold.

"Of course if he asked me I would never say no," the 74-cap former Liverpool player said.

"But I've been saying lately I don't think a phone call will come.

"There is so much strength in the team - the young players are doing a really good job - and if those guys get us through to Germany, I think they deserve the chance to play in Germany."

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Allen was a key figure in a golden period for Wales, which began with qualification for Euro 2016 and a remarkable run to the semi-finals of that tournament.

The Pembrokeshire-born player also helped Wales reach Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, though his role in the latter competition was limited due to injury.

Ex-Stoke captain Allen has had various fitness issues since rejoining Swansea, his first club, in the summer of 2022, though he is currently enjoying his best run of form - and fitness - this season.

Wales do not have an abundance of midfield options at their disposal, with the squad for Finland including League One players Josh Sheehan and Charlie Savage as well as Dylan Levitt, of Hibernian.

Ethan Ampadu could start in midfield against the Finns even though he has been playing in central defence for Leeds United, while captain Aaron Ramsey returned as a substitute in Cardiff City's defeat at Swansea City on Saturday after his latest injury lay-off.

Allen said when he retired from Wales duty that "time and injuries take their toll" and that it was time to "make way for our next generation".

Last August, Page said he did not plan to ask Allen to reconsider his retirement decision because it was "time to get the young ones involved".