WALES CALL-UP FOR ALLEN - CLICK HERE

Swans youngster Joe Allen couldn't hide his delight after he was called into the senior Wales side for the forthcoming international friendly against Estonia.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who made 23 Championship appearances last season, has represented his country at different levels and could make his senior bow in nearby Llanelli next Friday (May 29).

"It's a dream come true to have been called up to represent my country," he beamed, "it's something that I've wanted to do for a long time.

"I was ecstatic when I found out that I'd been called up."

Since entering the scene two years ago Carmarthen-born Allen has made it a habit of creating an impact on particular 'debuts'.

On his first full Swans appearance against Walsall (Carling Cup) in 2007 he was named as man of the match; scored on his Wales Under-21 debut in Sweden; found the net whilst making his first Wrexham appearance on loan in October as well as scoring his first Swans goal in his first south Wales derby last month.

Could he have the same impact if selected to play at Parc y Scarlets?

"I think I've run out of good debuts," he joked.

"But if I do get a chance in these games it will definitely be a game to remember and an extremely proud moment for me.

"This call-up has come at a time when a lot of players are missing and there are a lot of spaces to fill, and I'm not going to be too disheartened if next time around when players are back in and I don't make it.

"But, hopefully, in the years to come I will be a regular in the national side."

It has certainly been a season to remember for the youngster who started the campaign playing for Colin Pascoe's reserve team.

The opportunity came for a loan switch to Wrexham but, after just two matches, his spell was cut short following an ankle injury. He returned to action in early December and was a regular member of Roberto Martinez's side for the remainder of the campaign.

And Allen admits that he is grateful to Roberto and Welsh intermediate boss Brian Flynn for helping him reach the stage he is at today.

"I'm lucky to have had great coaches along the way," he added.

"Being small and my style of play wouldn't suit certain coaches and managers, but fortunately Roberto Martinez and Brian Flynn have a lot of time for players with my style and I can dedicate a lot of my success to them."