Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is preparing for two 'huge challenges' this week – as he first captains his country in an international friendly and then ties the knot at his wedding.

The 24-year-old has been named skipper for Wales' encounter against the Netherlands in Amsterdam this evening, receiving significant praise from manager Chris Coleman.

For all that his attention will be firmly fixed on leading his team to a positive result, an equally important occasion is looming on the horizon after the full-time whistle.

Because the not-so-small matter of marrying his partner becomes Allen's central focus at the weekend, although the Reds' No.24 is planning to take one task at a time.

"I'm tying the knot at the weekend so it's a pretty special week for me," he explained. "I've got a huge game to come first and foremost, and after is when it will really hit me.

'I'm think I'm going to wing it with both speeches so we'll have to see how it goes. I'm not sure I can think about Saturday yet - one challenge at a time.

"They are both huge challenges. The weekend is to think about after the game. It's one I've been looking forward to for a long time."