Wales boss Craig Bellamy holds talks with former Liverpool star about shock international retirement U-turn
CRAIG BELLAMY wants Joe Allen to come out of international retirement.
The new Wales boss visited Swansea’s training ground and sounded out the 74-cap midfielder, who retired from Dragons duty in February 2023.
SunSport understands Allen has not ruled out a return but the ex-Liverpool star is keen to ensure his fitness is right to play at club level first.
Allen cited injuries as a major reason for ending his Wales career but Bellamy is exploring all options ahead of his push to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
The 34-year-old helped his country qualify for three major tournaments with the global tournament in Qatar in 2022 proving to be his international farewell.
But Bellamy, who took over from Robert Page in July on a four-year contract, is a big fan of Allen, having played together for Wales as well as Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
Wales are expected to be without skipper Aaron Ramsey for the final four Nations League games with a hamstring injury.
And Bellamy has spoken to Allen as well as Rangers‘ Tom Lawrence with both on the radar for possible future call-ups as he bids to add more experience to his youthful squad.
Allen has made four substitute appearances for Swansea in all competitions this season but his attitude and professionalism are well-regarded.
The Wales chief, 45, names his squad next Wednesday for the Nations League clashes away to Iceland on October 11 and at home to Montenegro in Cardiff three days later.
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Bellamy aims to maintain the feel-good factor after a positive start to his management reign following the impressive goalless draw with Turkey backed up by the 2-1 win in Montenegro.
Further talks with the pair are expected with ex-Manchester United kid Lawrence revealing he is eyeing a return to the international fold.
Lawrence has not pulled on the Wales shirt since a friendly with Mexico back in 2021.
Forward Lawrence said last week: “I spoke to the manager before the international break this month.
“We’ll have another chat and see where we’re at. But there’s no pressure on it, it’s pretty open on both sides.
“I’m not going to say I should be in this or be in that.
“It was open to go there last time but we felt it was right with the injuries I’ve had in the past just to keep going and make sure I get good training here.
“We’ll have another chat before the next international break but there’s no pressure on either side.”
Bellamy’s Wales will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign next March.