Joe Allen hoping to make more derby-day memories to savour

Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen is looking forward to the south Wales derby, and hopes he can create more memories to savour from a fixture he acknowledges carries an extra special significance.

Allen still ranks his first Swans goal in the derby at Ninian Park in 2009 among the best moments of his impressive and illustrious career.

It’s nearly 15 years to the day since that first derby, and the former Wales international understands as well as anyone what the game means to supporters and the people of the city.

“Like everyone else, I can’t wait,” he says.

“It’s a huge game, one that everyone looks forward to.

“It’s the fixture everyone looks to at the start of the season, the biggest of the season and I have some great memories in the games over the years.

“For me, coming back last season and the nature of the late goal (in the win at Cardiff)... the scenes at the ground were incredible.

“But the derby at Ninian Park where I scored is another one that stands out.

“It was a special moment, it was my first Swansea goal. I hadn’t scored at that point, I’d been dreaming about that moment. Thankfully, I got the chance to come on and bar a shocking penalty decision to ruin things late on, it was a pretty good day.

“I’ll never let that one go.”

Allen also revealed how he and his teammates have been ensuring Swansea's recent January arrivals understand the significance of the game.

“It’s one first things you learn here is just how important these games are, and what it means to all concerned," he added.

“It’s been the same for the lads coming in, they get it, and they can’t wait.

“And speaking about them, they’ve had a really great impact with how quickly they’ve settled in.

"They have embraced everything about the club and it has been a pleasure to see."