Allen picked for Olympic squad (From Western Telegraph)

Allen picked for Olympic squad

11:20am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Pembrokeshire sports news

Premier star Joe Allen’s 2012 London Olympic dream is set to become a reality after he was selected for the Great Britain 18-man football squad which was announced officially on Tuesday.

Midfielder Allan, 22, is one of three Swansea City players selected by head coach Stuart Pearce, the other two are defender Neil Taylor and winger Scott Sinclair, and central defender Steven Caulker (Spurs) who played for the Swans on loan last season is also included.

The three overaged players selected are Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) and Micah Richards (Manchester City) with David Beckham controversially missing out.

Wales international Allen, whose family live in Narberth, had been tipped by many for the call over the last few months.

“I’m very pleased,’’ said Allen. “I’ve had my fingers crossed all summer, so it’s great news, especially with so many excellent young players in the Premier League to choose from.

“There’s a good representation from Swansea and Wales, so it shows that Welsh football is in a positive place at the moment.

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family – and, of course, Swansea City.’’ The squad will meet up on Saturday ready for their opening Group A game against Senegal at Old Trafford on Thursday, July 26th. Then it’s a date with the UAE on Sunday, July 29th, at Wembley, before the final group game at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday, August 1st.

The quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled for August 4th and 7th respectively, while the final is due to take place at Wembley on Saturday, August 11th, just seven days before the Swans kick-off their Premier League campaign at QPR.

Squad: J Allen (Swansea), C Bellamy (Liverpool), R Bertrand (Chelsea), J Butland (Birmingham), S Caulker (Tottenham), T Cleverley (Manchester United), J Cork (Southampton), C Dawson (West Brom), R Giggs (Manchester United), A Ramsey (Arsenal), M Richards (Manchester City), D Rose (Tottenham), S Sinclair (Swansea), M Sordell (Bolton), J Steele (Middlesbrough), D Sturridge (Chelsea), N Taylor (Swansea), J Tomkins (West Ham).