Wayne Hennessey on eclipsing Southall record and the youngsters coming through
Joe Rodon (L) Wayne Hennessey & Gareth Bale (R) of Wales perform the National Anthem. Wales v Azerbaijan UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wayne Hennessey has expressed his delight in his latest accolade for Wales.
Hennessey eclipsed legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall in the number of clean sheets for Wales as he shut out the Finnish attack on Thursday night.
It was the 35th clean sheet of Hennesey’s Wales career, moving one ahead of his childhood hero.
“Growing up as a youngster watching New at Everton and Wales, he was my hero growing up,” said the 33-year-old.
“I always used to want to be like Neville Southall. For the record, it has taken a long time but we’ve finally got there.
“Hopefully, there’s more to come clean sheets wise. It’s an absolutely amazing achievement and I’m really happy. I don’t think he’ll be too happy. I’m really delighted.”
When asked what clean sheet was the most enjoyable of his career, he pinpointed the goalless draw with the Czech Republic in 2007.
It was Hennessey’s first full start for his country and it also happened to be Ryan Giggs’ last game for Wales.
“The Czech Republic one was the biggest for me, making my full debut In a qualifying game.
“Looking at the other side of the pitch and seeing and seeing Petr Cech and with it Ryan Giggs’ last game at the Millennium Stadium. Keeping a clean sheet there, it was a fantastic one for myself, so probably that one.”
Given his 13 years of service to his country, Hennessey has seen a number of players represent Wales over the years.
Ben Cabango, Dylan Levitt and Neco Williams made their senior debut in Helsinki.
After the trio made their debuts, it took the amount of debuts under Giggs to 17.
Commenting on the latest crop of players coming through, the Palace keeper said: “It looks very bright, to be honest. All the lads who came in did really well and should be really proud of themselves.
“Everything looks very promising.
And how do they stack up against the heroic squad which reached the semi-finals of the European Championships?
“It’s not much difference. All of them are playing a similar style of football. The age group has changed, it’s still the same style of football. Ryan has come in and done a fantastic job.
“It’s a good promising aspect obviously for the youngsters. They’ve all got to be on their toes and everyone wants to be in the squad for the Euros.”
One youngster who excelled in the qualifying was Ethan Ampadu and he showcased his worth with another impressive performance in Finland.
Hennessey pinpointed how much he enjoyed the performance of Ethan Ampadu in their 1-0 victory on Thursday.
The 19-year-old usually plays as a midfielder for Wales but was moved to centre-back after the absence of Ashley Williams, Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon.
“I like him a lot at centre-half. He’s comfortable on the ball.
“He is a good talker, he leads well from the back.
“With the style of play Ryan has got us playing, he’s fantastic to have at the back.
“He’s one of them and you can give him the ball at any circumstance. He plays well with those around him. For a goalkeeper, he’s fantastic to have in front of me.”
