Allen aims for Arsenal

Leicester City v Arsenal
FA Tesco Women's Premier League Cup
2pm, Sunday 2 November 2008

Leicester City’s England Under-20 midfielder Remi Allen is in quick succession facing two of the biggest tests of her blossoming career.

On Sunday the FA National Player Development Centre student will line up for the Foxes against Arsenal in an FA Tesco Women’s Premier League Cup quarter-final.

She then prepares to fly to Chile as part of the England squad who are set to compete in the Under-20 World Cup finals.

“It’s a really exciting time,” says Allen as she looks ahead to hugely significant occasions for both club and country.

On the club front the 18 year-old midfielder is thrilled at the prospect of meeting Arsenal after helping in Leicester’s incredible rise through the non-league pyramid system.

Four successive promotions have lifted them to the Premier League’s Northern Division and given them the confidence to face the mighty Gunners with no fear.

“We are relishing the challenge,” says Allen. “Arsenal are the best team in the country and it will be great to play against top quality players.

“We want to pit ourselves against the very best and it will show us just how far we’ve progressed as a team and as individuals over the last four years.

“We’ve obviously got the greatest respect for Arsenal, but we won’t feel intimidated – it’s 11 against 11 and in a Cup tie anything can happen.”

Allen’s hard working, determined displays in the centre of midfield have benefited Leicester and England alike in the hunt for trophies.

When she steps off the field on Sunday her thoughts will switch to Chile, where she has already played in the preparation tournament for the Under-20 World Cup.

“It was a fantastic experience over there,” she says. “We played in front of a 5,000 crowd against Chile and the atmosphere was amazing.

“The noise was deafening and I’m sure it will be even louder if we play against them in the World Cup itself.

“Myself and the rest of the girls can’t wait to get over there – and if we play to our capabilities I’m certain we can go a long way in the tournament.”