Swansea midfielder Allen returns to Wales squad

Joe Allen is yet to start a game this season, but has made five substitute appearances for Swansea

Nations League: Iceland v Wales

Venue: Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik Date: Friday, 11 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

Joe Allen has been named in Wales' squad for this month's Nations League matches against Iceland and Montenegro after coming out of international retirement.

The Swansea City player, 34, called time on his Wales career in February 2023, having represented his country at two European Championships and a World Cup.

But with fellow midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Aaron Ramsey missing through injury, Allen has been recalled by new head coach Craig Bellamy.

Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies is back in the Wales squad for the first time in more than two years after injury issues, while fit-again trio David Brooks, Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead are also involved for the first time under Bellamy.

As well as captain Ramsey and Ampadu, Daniel James and Rabbi Matondo are absent because of injury.

Bellamy revealed that a possible return to the international fold for Allen had been on his mind since taking over as Wales boss, but that injuries had delayed that decision until this moment.

"He's (Allen) fit. I spoke to him when I first came into the role, He's a player I was fortunate to play with as well, admired him, he's an exceptional footballer," Bellamy said.

"He still has a lot to give, I believe the way we play, the way we look to do things really suits him, and for me - if he's fit and available and he's willing to be a part of Wales - then it's a no-brainer for me really.

"So I probably would have put him in the first squad, but he wasn't fit at that time.

"Just his brain, his experience, he's a high-quality footballer. I know people will maybe look at age, that's never a problem for me. I just appreciate the skills he has and what he's going to be able to bring."

Wales resume their Nations League campaign in Iceland on 11 October, before hosting Montenegro three days later.

They began life under Bellamy, who was named successor to Rob Page in July, with a goalless home draw against Turkey in their opening Nations League game last month.

Bellamy's first victory as Wales boss came in Montenegro three days later.

Allen has not started a Swansea game since April, but Wales are short of midfield options.

Joe Morrell, who has been a regular squad member in recent years, is another player absent from Bellamy's 25-man party having failed to find a new club after leaving Portsmouth in the summer.

Pembrokeshire-born Allen was a highly influential figure for Wales before retiring, winning 74 caps and earning a place in Uefa's team of the tournament at Euro 2016 as Wales reached the semi-finals.

The former Liverpool player said in the lead-up to Euro 2024 - which Wales ended up missing after play-off defeat by Poland - that he would "never say no" to Page had Bellamy's predecessor asked him to come out of international retirement.

Rhys Norrington-Davies will hope to add to his 12 Wales caps having been recalled

Former Wales midfielder Owain Tudur Jones said last week it was a "no-brainer" to recall Allen, while Swansea head coach Luke Williams said Allen was "excited" by the prospect of a Wales return.

Norrington-Davies, 25, has played three times for the Blades this season having returned to action after two serious hamstring injuries, the first of which ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup.

Brooks is yet to play for Bournemouth this season - though he has been on the bench in recent weeks - while Broadhead has not featured for Ipswich Town in 2024-25 after a hamstring problem.

Broadhead's club colleague Burns has returned to the Ipswich side after missing Bellamy's first Wales camp with a hamstring injury.

Cardiff City's Ramsey, Leeds' Ampadu and Rangers forward Matondo are all facing significant spells on the sidelines.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke said last month that winger James would be out until after the October international break because of a hamstring issue.

Wales squad

Danny Ward, Adam Davies, Karl Darlow, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Davies, Owen Beck, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts, Jordan James, Joe Allen, Josh Sheehan, Wes Burns, Ollie Cooper, Sorba Thomas, David Brooks, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Koumas, Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen, Kieffer Moore.