[monks data]

International Friendlies

Mar 28, 2016 at 7pm UK

Ukraine
1-0
Wales

Yarmolenko (28')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Chris Coleman hails "irreplaceable" Joe Allen

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 29 March 2016

Wales manager Chris Coleman admits that he would like to see Joe Allen play more for Liverpool, but describes the midfielder as "irreplaceable" for his country.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has described Joe Allen as "irreplaceable" for his side following his display in Monday's 1-0 defeat to Ukraine.

The Liverpool midfielder was one of the standout performers for Wales on a largely disappointing night in Kiev as Andriy Yarmolenko scored the only goal of the game to hand Ukraine victory in the Euro 2016 warm-up match.

Coleman admitted that he would like to see Allen play more for his club side, but left his importance to the Wales team in no doubt.

"He's a great player and I don't use that term loosely," Coleman told reporters.

"You almost want a Joe Allen in front of the back four starting play and a Joe Allen just in behind the striker making the last pass, because he's capable of both.

"It's unfortunate that he's not playing enough for Liverpool for his own liking, but that's up to Liverpool. But the job he does for us, he's irreplaceable."

Allen has made only three Premier League starts for Liverpool all season.