Joe Allen made his league debut against Blackpool at the Liberty and he recalls shaking with fear as he prepared to come on

It was one of the most incredible games as Swansea City went down 6-3 to Blackpool at the Liberty on the last day of the 2006-2007 season.

Blackpool went on to win the play offs whilst Swansea had to wait for their glory when twelve months later they were crowned Champions of League One.    But whilst many remember the game for the scoreline, for Allen it was his league debut for the club and the teenager remembers it like it was yesterday.

"I remember shaking on the touchline with nerves before I came on," Allen told the Evening Post .

"But it was an amazing feeling to step out on to the pitch and I'll always remember it.

"I was very raw back then, I know that, but I'd like to think I've progressed and developed a lot since.

"You aim to be better every game, taking steps forward. And even this season, despite not playing, I think I've moved forward since the summer.

"I can be very critical of myself, sometimes too much," he adds.

"Last year was fantastic, but there were times when I was frustrated with my performances.

"But I'm on a learning curve and each game helps you gain a better understanding and a confidence which helps you as a player.

"It's strange to hear my name chanted or for people to be talking about me coming back when I'm still so young, and especially with some of the quality players we have here," he says.

"But it's a great feeling all the same, and I want to repay them for their faith — I look forward to doing that with some good performances during the rest of the year."

Photo: Action Images

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