Allen hungry for Swans derby day success with ‘fire still burning’ 

Having won four on the bounce against their bitter rivals, the Swans tasted a rare defeat in the 2-0 reverse back in September at the Cardiff City Stadium, a match which Allen limped off in the warm-up on what would have been his first start of the season. 

34-year-old Allen has had his fair share of knocks since his return to his hometown club in the summer of 2022 but feels he has finally shaken off his injury demons. 

After returning in the last month after undergoing surgery on a troublesome groin injury, the former Wales international has become one of the first names on Swans boss Luke Williams’ team sheet.  

There has been no surprise that Williams’ side’s turnaround in form has culminated with the ‘Welsh Pirlo’s’ inclusion, overseeing some of the Swans more memorable performances over what has been a lackluster season, mainly placed in the lower depths of the Championship table. 

With the Swans lying in 15^th place in the standings at the start of play this weekend, just five points above the relegation places, next up comes a match Allen is certainly familiar with – the South Wales derby against bitter rivals Cardiff. 

“Like everybody else, I can’t wait. It’s the one everyone looks to at the start of the season and a huge game to look forward to home or away,” said Allen. 

“Derby games less than any other league form doesn’t count going into it. 

“I’ve had some great memories in some of the games we’ve played in over the years.” 

Allen’s first senior goal for the Swans came all the way back in 2009, where as a teenager he came off the bench to help his club earn a point in a 2-2 draw – a moment he will always cherish. 

“The derby at Ninian Park where I scored is one [moment] that stands out,” continued Allen. 

“I still hadn’t scored at that point, and I’d been dreaming about if today was going to be the day.  

“Thankfully, I had the chance to come on and bar a shocking penalty decision to ruin things late on it was a pretty good day.” 

Many things have changed over the years for Allen witnessing the rise of the Swans, his spell in the Premier League with Liverpool and the experiences he had from three international tournaments with Wales.  

One thing Allen still has, however, is the hunger for playing for his hometown club. Whilst the veteran’s contract runs out at the end of the season, the playmaker feels that he still has plenty left to offer Williams’ men. With contract talks on hold for now, he is determined to put his full focus on helping his side achieve a result against their bitter rivals. 

“We have been waiting patiently for this game to come back around and are hungry and motivated to write some of the wrongs of that game. I’m looking forward to my second chance tomorrow,” enthused Allen. 

“Since the moment the final whistle went it was really grim for us.  

“To add insult to injury that was the first game I was due to start in and I got injured in the warm-up. It wasn’t meant to be. 

“We were disappointed with our performance. They deserved to win the game. It’s not often you can say that about the Swans in a derby match. 

“The first one [double in the fixture] belongs to us and we’re grateful to have done it twice. We are focused on trying to win the game and see the opportunity to do that. 

“That has always been the way we have approached the game, whether that was 15 years ago or since I have come back to the club. 

“My hunger and determination has been throughout. Unfortunately, injuries are part of it. You have to deal with it and be motivated to get back. 

“The fire is still there [to play on]. When you are on the operating table at the start of the season you worry whether it’s going to happen, but I think the chances have improved for me in recent weeks. 

“It’s been a good run for me. The second half of the season I was determined to get fit, stay fit and work my way into the team. I have kept the belief that I can have an impact back here at the club. 

“It’s one for the end of the season [contract talks]. We have some football to play. I’m pretty ambitious to stay in the team from now to the end of the season.  

“At that point, it will be the right time for the club and me to discuss anything. At the moment, things are going well, and it holds me in good stead for tomorrow’s game.” 

[Lead image: Swansea City FC]