Joe Allen has played nine times for Wales' Under-21 side
Swansea City teenager Joe Allen admits he is hopeful he will soon earn a call-up for the Wales national team.
The 18-year-old midfielder has impressed since breaking into Swansea's first team in December and aims to win international recognition.
Wales Under-21 regular Allen said: "The more games I play hopefully it will give me more of a chance.
"I must concentrate every game I play for my club and when Wales decide I'm ready, that's when I'm ready."
Allen is one of a host of talented young midfielders available for Wales boss John Toshack.
The Carmarthen-born player is waiting in line behind West Ham United's highly-rated Jack Collison, Arsenal teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey and Cardiff City captain and Wales regular Joe Ledley.
Experienced midfield duo Simon Davies and Carl Fletcher are also ahead of Allen in Toshack's pecking order and Wales youth coach Brian Flynn has urged the Swans rookie to be patient while waiting for his Wales senior call.
Allen was an able deputy for Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde when the Dutchman was ruled out for the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Allen has played 15 times for Roberto Martinez's Swans this season and played a starring role in their FA Cup run.
And he said: "Hopefully international recognition will come as the performances and the game time come as well.
"Hopefully it's something that I'll get a chance to do in the future."
Allen, who has played nine times for the Wales U21s, came back earlier than expected from a thigh injury to play in Swansea City's 2-2 draw against Derby County at Pride Park in the Championship on Tuesday.
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