THANKS, JOE

HARRI BURTON REFLECTS ON THE KEY ROLE MIDFIELDER JOE ALLEN PLAYED IN WALES' FOOTBALL REVOLUTION

- HARRI BURTON

A SERVANT. A leader. A workhorse. The pivot in Wales’ midfield. Joseph Michael Allen was one of the country’s most integral pieces to the Red Wall puzzle, with his retirement from international football shocking a passionate fanbase to its core and turning the tide to a whole new era of Welsh football.

Of course, saying goodbye to Gareth Bale, arguably the best ever player to don the Wales shirt, was one of the hardest moments for this generation of supporters.

But, with Joe Allen hanging up his international boots just 23 days later, it was clear that the squad members who took Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the nation’s first World Cup since 1958 were deciding it was time for the passing of the torch. That’s what hurt the most.

John Toshack was the one to give a young Allen the chance to express himself on the international stage. Nicknamed ‘The Welsh Jesus’ by the Wales faithful, Allen made his international debut in 2009, as Wales nicked a 1-0 victory at home to Estonia.