Allen Signs New 3-Year Contract With Swansea

Joe Allen, one of Swansea City's most promising youngsters has signed a new 3-year contract with the club.

The 19 year-old midfielder has improved immensely over the last year or so which earned him a regular first team place last season, replacing the injured Ferrie Bodde.

His greatest moment was in April when he scored a superb strike at Ninian Park against arch-rivals Cardiff City. He put us 2-1 up with just minutes remaining, but the referee gave the Bluebirds a highly controversial penalty as they shared the points.

Joe Allen is somewhat similar to Leon Britton, they are both small in stature but neither are afraid to get stuck into challenges. They battle well for possession with their high energy during a game.

His impressive displays in a Swansea City shirt last term finally earned him a deserved call up to John Toshack's Wales squad. He made his international debut in the 1-0 win against Estonia in May.

The young midfielder is one of Swansea's biggest assets and if he continues to improve and develop like he has done, we'll be facing a tough task soon of holding onto him.

Allen was thrilled to extend his stay at the Liberty Stadium and it's a huge boost for the club, he told the Official Site:

I'm thrilled to be signing a longer deal,''

'I love playing for the club and I believe there are exciting times ahead.

'My aim is to build on the foundations I made last season and try and establish myself as a regular in the matchday squad and then the starting line up.'

And Allen believes he can benefit from the arrival of new boss Paolo Sousa, one of the best midfielders to have graced the European stage.

'I've been lucky with my last two managers because both of them have been former midfielders. I think all the players are excited about working under the new manager and I'm sure I will benefit greatly from his experience as a player and a coach.

'I've had a great summer, making my full international debut for Wales. It was a very proud moment for me and I hope I can carry that feeling on throughout the new season.''

Chairman Huw Jenkins was also delighted to see the youngster put pen to paper on a new deal:

'We started speaking to Joe at the end of last season about a new contract and I'm delighted that he sees his long-term future with Swansea City.

'He has gradually improved and grown into the team and is now without doubt a big asset for us.

'I am sure he can continue to go from strength to strength under Paulo Sousa. The fact that Joe is also a midfielder means he couldn't have asked for a better person to help him develop over the next few years.'

'Joe shows just how important our youth policy is - and will be in the future,''

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