Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WALES VOW TO DO IT FOR JOE
WALES have been left devastated by Joe Allen’s injury hell – but insist they plan to do him proud at Euro 2020.
Stoke pass master Allen will miss this summer’s tournament after he ruptured his Achilles tendon injury in Stoke’s victory over Hull. The 29-year-old’s absence is a huge blow for Wales boss Ryan Giggs.
“I feel for Joe,” said Wales and Swansea defender Joe Rodon (below). “He’s been unbelievable for this qualifying campaign and all the other ones he’s been involved in.
“To hear the news is absolutely devastating for Wales. He will be massively missed and I want to wish him all the best with his recovery. Hopefully we can make him proud.
“Joe has been a consistent performer throughout his career, but he’s a brilliant person as well. It’s absolutely devastating news.”
Wales stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey always grab the headlines, but Allen has been at the heart of the team for one of the most successful periods in the country’s history.
Giggs must now work out how to replace a man who would have been one of the first names on his teamsheet.
The former Manchester United man will hope Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu’s Champions League exposure with RB Leipzig will benefit him on the international stage.
Cardiff’s Will Vaulks is another man who could come into the starting equation with Allen out. Vaulks has impressed for the Welsh side since the turn of the year.
“I viewed it as a big move coming to Cardiff and Wales selection played a massive part in that decision,” said Vaulks, who signed from Rotherham in the summer.
“I was coming down to play for a team in the capital and it was about having a relationship with the fans. It’s a massive ambition for me to keep playing for Wales.
“Now I’ve worked my way up to have a chance of going to the Euros I have to take it.”