Britton: Allen ´hard to replace´

Swansea City midfielder Leon Britton admits it will be hard to replace Joe Allen if the Wales midfielder goes on to join Liverpool.

Goal.com revealed on Tuesday that Brendan Rodgers’ new side have reached an agreement with the Swans over a 13.5 million pound fee and it appears the 22-year-old could be on the way out of the Liberty Stadium.

Britton, who successfully played alongside Allen throughout Swansea’s successful debut season in the English Premier League, conceded the departure of his team-mate would be a blow, but insists he deserves the opportunity to shine at a higher level.

“We would be disappointed if Joe goes. That goes for the players, the staff and the fans,” he said to Wales Online.

“That’s because if he goes, we know we will be losing a really good player.

“Players like Joe are hard to replace – the money they are talking about him going for tells you how good he is.

“But you can’t begrudge him the move if it happens. We would have to wish him good luck. We hope he will stick with us, but it would be a great opportunity for him if he ends up going.

“He deserves the opportunity to go to one of the big clubs not just in England but in European football.”

Discussing his midfield partner’s qualities, Britton said Allen plays with a level of maturity that defies his young age and believes his team-mate will make it to the top of the Premier League.

“You don’t want to put pressure on him but he is such a good player,” he added.

“The manager at Liverpool obviously knows him well and it’s no surprise that they are interested. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are others out there who would like to take him as well.

“Joe has got great maturity for his age. Anyone who knows him will tell you that he is mature on and off the pitch.

“He has got everything you need but he is always willing to learn more and trying to get better. He is ready for it now. I am sure he can go on and have a top career in the Premier League for many years.

“Hopefully that’s with Swansea, but if it’s not then hopefully he goes to one of the big clubs, because that’s where he deserves to be.”