Kevin Nolan has included Swansea's Joe Allen in his top 5 football league players

Nolan - voted by FourFourTwo magazine as the best player outside the Premiership - tipped Swansea youngster Allen for the very top - no doubt remembering the tough time that Allen gave them at the Liberty back in February

Nolan said “Joe was absolutely fantastic when I played against him

“He got the better of me if I am honest.

“For a small lad, the way he kept the ball was brilliant and it was very hard to get away from him when you were in possession. A lot of Swansea’s play came through him and he made a big difference.

“Swansea were dominant in midfield for a lot of the game and he was a big part of that. He is a very skilful player.

“If he keeps playing like that, I’m sure he will go on to much bigger and better things. He certainly has the potential to go right to the top.”

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