Nations League: Wales v Montenegro
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Monday, 14 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds & live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app
Craig Bellamy admits it would be a gamble to start Joe Allen in Monday’s game against Montenegro – but says he would relish the “romance” of seeing the veteran midfielder play for Wales again.
Allen, 34, came out of international retirement to be included in Wales’ squad for this month’s Nations League double-header but was left out for Friday’s 2-2 draw in Iceland.
Fitness issues have limited him to just six substitute appearances for Swansea City this season but, as Wales are without the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Aaron Ramsey and Jordan James, they are short of options in midfield.
“Of course he’s a gamble if you throw him in from the start because of his minutes and football this year,” head coach Bellamy said.
“That goes for a lot of our players as well. A lot of them do very good work even though they’re not playing. Their clubs are run incredibly well. Does it match a game? Of course we all understand it doesn’t.
“Hopefully he kicks the ball for me tomorrow. Even if he doesn’t he’s had an incredible week for us and been really positive for us.”
Allen established himself as a Welsh football great before calling time on his international career in 2023, having earned 74 caps and represented his country at two European Championships and a World Cup.
Were he to feature against Montenegro at Cardiff City Stadium, the former Liverpool midfielder would be sure to receive a rapturous welcome.
“We all love romance, no? It doesn’t always happen in football. You’re in the wrong business if you don’t like romance in football,” Bellamy said.
“I’m so appreciative for what he has been able to do for our country. I say this with Aaron Ramsey but I truly believe it … you don’t want to let go, stay longer.
“I’m going to use every bit of him. Would I want the fairytale ending for these type of people? Yes, because of what they’ve given.”
‘We are light in the number six area’
Bellamy, who was appointed in July, has said he would have selected Allen for his first squad in September had he been fit – but the need for the midfielder has been emphasised by the absence of Ampadu, James and Ramsey.
This is a long-standing issue for Wales, who have lacked depth in central midfield for years, particularly since Euro 2016 squad members such as Joe Ledley, Andy King and Dave Edwards retired.
Ampadu and James are now the first-choice pairing but, with those two unavailable due to injury and suspension respectively, Bellamy’s only recognised central midfielders available to face Montenegro are Allen, his Swansea team-mate Ollie Cooper and Josh Sheehan, who plays for Bolton Wanderers in League One.
“We are light in the number six area, and that’s through all the age groups,” said Bellamy.
“If you gave me a look at squad planning when I first came into this, that’s why attacking I could double up. In one or two areas we don’t quite have [that depth].
“We are a nation that sometimes we have to be creative in what we do and sometimes that adds to your strengths. We’ve seen bigger nations than ours really struggle in that area [midfield].
“It’s a really important area for how we play. We just have to get on with it. I’m looking forward to seeing how one or two others get on in that position. They deserve it.”