Joe Allen scored his only Swansea goal against Cardiff in April

Swansea City's highly rated midfielder Joe Allen has signed a new three-year contract with the Championship club.

The Wales international, 19, who won his first senior cap in last month's 1-0 friendly win over Estonia, broke into the Swans first team last season.

And the creative midfielder is looking forward to playing under new Swansea manager and two-times Champions League winner Paulo Sousa.

"He's the perfect role model," Allen told BBC Sport Wales.

"As a young player it's as lucky as it can get for me.

"I'm sure I can only benefit more and more and I'm looking forward to working under him.

"As a footballer, when there's a change in manager you don't always know if you are wanted.

"But hopefully this is a sign that I will be part of his plans."

Narbeth-born Allen came through the trainee ranks at the Liberty Stadium and had a chance to make his name in the first team in the 2007/8 season but was hit by injury.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the news of Joe Allen's new contract

He started last season as a fringe player in Roberto Martinez's squad, playing 54 minutes of the 2-1 Carling Cup win over Hull in August.

He was then loaned out to Blue Square Premier side Wrexham in October, scoring his first senior goal on his debut in the 3-1 defeat of York.

But Allen only made two appearances for the Dragons as his loan spell was ended by an ankle injury.

His breakthrough came in December when he filled the void left by talisman Ferrie Bodde, who suffered a season-ending cruciate knee ligament injury.

Now he is hoping to progress further and help the Swans challenge for a place in the Premier League.

"This season, it's important for me to try and establish myself the same way I did and get even more appearances than I did last season," said Allen.

"We met Paulo for the first time on Wednesday and you can tell from the reaction of the players that we are looking forward to the new season.

"I think everyone has got the belief that we can go one step further and it will be an amazing season for Swansea City."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version