Coleman counting on Allen for World Cup qualifiers

By ANDREW GWILYM
Published on 14/03/2013 02:06

WALES manager Chris Coleman fully expects Liverpool’s Joe Allen to play a part in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia, despite his shoulder injury.

The midfielder will require surgery on the problem, a procedure which will keep him sidelined for three months, and is keen to have the operation done soon to ensure he is fully fit for next season.

The injury did not stop Allen featuring off the bench in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Tottenham, and Coleman has selected him in his 23-man squad as Wales look to build on their encouraging friendly win over Austria last month.

The Wales manager is not expecting the powers that be at Anfield to deprive him of one of his key players. He said: “[Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers commented that, at some stage, he will have to have surgery but at no time have we been told he’s not available.

“If that was the case we wouldn’t pick Joe. I totally respect Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool Football Club and I think we’ll always try to work with clubs because they aren’t our players and we’re only borrowing them.

“But we’ve not told been told anything so at the minute he’s very much in the squad.”

One man who has missed out is Celtic defender Adam Matthews, due to the hamstring injury he picked up in the Hoops’ Champions League exit.at the hands of Juventus.

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is included along with Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy, while Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is back after being a late withdrawal against Austria.