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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The round-the-clock graft Joe Allen is doing to be fit for World Cup as Russell Martin gives his opinion

Russell Martin believes Joe Allen will be able to feature for Wales at the World Cup.

The midfielder has been unavailable since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Swans' 3-0 triumph over Hull City in mid-September. Allen had been expected to return to action in October, however, he suffered a setback and has remained on the sidelines.

Despite his struggles, Rob Page is expected to include the 32-year-old in his 26-man squad for the Qatar tournament. And Swans boss Martin has opened up on the significant graft Allen has undertaken to be in a position to potentially play for his country at the global showpiece later this month.

READ MORE: Russell Martin says he 'didn't like one bit' the body language of Swansea City players in Birmingham City frustration

"I think Joe is in a position where he has a chance to go to the World Cup and to play some games which is nice," said Martin after his side's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.

"He's working so hard. He's done everything he possibly can. Altitude tents, hyperbaric chambers, all the strength and conditioning work, everything, treatment round the clock. The FAW have been great with their support with that. The amount of dialogue both club and country are having is superb."

Meanwhile, Olivier Ntcham is also hoping to be included in Cameroon's squad for the World Cup. The attacker netted his fifth goal of the campaign in Swansea's 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

It means the 26-year-old already has one more goal than he managed in the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign this time out. And Martin believes Ntcham is finally starting to showcase the full scale of his talents as he joined Joel Piroe at the top of Swansea's scoring charts this term following his strike in the Midlands.

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"He said he wanted to score more and impact more," Martin said of the former Celtic man.

"With Olivier, I don't think anyone ever questions his ability. It's just being able to produce it consistently and he's really doing that at the moment, whether he comes on, or, tonight was probably the best he's been for us starting a game.

"He's in a good place. He's hoping to go to the World Cup with Cameroon, so he has a real hunger and desire. Now it's about keeping him at that level. That will be the biggest test for Olivier. If he can, we have someone who is an exceptional talent."

Page is due to announce his Wales squad on Wednesday evening. You can follow the announcement live right here.

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