‘Wonderful pro’ Joe is hailed by Martinez

ROBERTO Martinez has hailed Joe Allen as a “wonderful professional” ahead of Wales’ Nations League clash with Belgium kast night.

The Spanish manager’s former club Swansea City are keen to re-sign the midfielder following the expiration of his contract with Stoke City.

Ahead of the current international break, the Potters confirmed they are holding talks with the 32-year-old over the possibility of extending his stay at the bet365 Stadium.

Allen is expected to decide where his club future lies after the current international break comes to an end. And ahead of Wales’ contest with Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium, Red Devils’ boss Martinez said Allen must get his next move right in a bid to ensure he can be in peak condition for the World Cup in Qatar.

“We’ll have a look, maybe he’s got a Belgian passport somewhere,” quipped Martinez.

“I wish him well. Joe is a wonderful character and I hope that he can find the next project, an exciting one. Somewhere that he can prepare for the World Cup.

“It’s a very important moment in his career. It’s a highlight to be able to prepare for the World Cup.”

Martinez handed Allen his Swansea debut against Blackpool in May 2007, with the midfielder going on to play a prominent role in his side’s promotion from League One under the Spaniard. Allen has gone on to make more than 500 appearances at club level for the Swans, Wrexham, Liverpool and Stoke while he has amassed 71 caps for his country.

And Martinez believes the central midfielder is a player with “world-class ability”. “A wonderful professional and a wonderful example of a Welsh footballer. He’s that technician, that technical player who is very intelligent tactically,” added Martinez.

“He can be a leader in the group. He’s always been a wonderful influence in any dressing room he’s been in.

“I’ve got really fond memories. I will always remember, he was 16-years-old, he was walking around the training ground and one day we decided with the technical staff to give him debut without telling him. He turned up for the game preparing the coffees and preparing the drinks and then he realised he was in the squad.

“When he came on, I will always remember that game against Blackpool, he was something very special.”