Wayne Hennessey will captain his country on the occasion of his 100th cap tomorrow when Wales take on the Czech Republic in a friendly.
The Ynys Môn native will become only the fifth Welsh player to reach the century, following in the footsteps of Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, Chris Gunter and Gareth Bale, and the goalkeeper is excited to reach the landmark.
‘I’m looking forward to it, it’s been a long time, but I can’t wait for it to happen’
‘I’m North Walian … it’s a massive achievement for myself and my family. A lot of hard work, ups and downs, injuries. It’s going to be a huge occasion’
‘Whenever I step out over that white line for my country it’s a special occasion, you want to give your best and want to represent your nation. For me I hope I can keep doing it for as long as possible, and whenever selected I’ll do that’
Hennessey has made no secret that his hero is former Wales ‘keeper Neville Southall, who earlier this week suggested that Wayne should set his sights on 150 caps, something the Burnley shot stopper isn’t too sure about.
‘I’m not sure about 150 but it’s nice to come from Nev, everybody knows what I think about Nev, he’s my hero and for him to say that is nice, and I’m going to keep going for as long as I can, and I’ll continue to represent my country for as long as I can’
Hennessey has seen the highs and lows throughout his time in the Welsh net, but one occasion stands out the most.
‘Personally, for me, I think my Hungary save, the double save is the best save for me. Probably a vital time as well. That always stands out to me. But for me I’ve had so many special moments. Obviously qualifying for major tournaments. As a kid growing up, I’d never thought it would happen for me, so special moments all around’
But while most of the attention will be focused around his monumental achievement, Wayne also knows that a good display will keep in Rob Page’s thoughts going forward, especially when Danny Ward returns from injury.
‘I want to keep showing that I’m in a good place, I’m playing well, and I feel really good. So, for me, obviously it’s down to work and I want to keep a clean sheet and play well’
Manager Rob Page was full of praise for the veteran goalkeeper and how integral he’s been in the history of Welsh football.
‘I’ve said in the past I can’t speak highly enough of him. As a man, as a professional, as a footballer, I think he’s exceptional. He took the disappointing news that he wouldn’t be starting in the EUROs really really well. He wasn’t happy, I’ve said that before, but I thought he showed true class in how he conducted himself after that and was fully supportive of Wardy’
‘He deserves all the accolades he’s going to get from this 100th cap, and I’m privileged and honoured to be a part of a group where we’ve had Bale, Gunter and now Wayne, three absolute legends of the Welsh national team’
Wales face an opponent they know very well in the Czech Republic tomorrow night, and the centurion to be is expecting another tricky game.
‘It’ll be interesting. It’s classed as a friendly but obviously you never know, they’ll make changes, we might make changes. It’ll be a tough game, but we’ve got good momentum at the moment, and we want to finish well. It’ll help us prepare for the games coming up, it’ll be a good game and I’m excited about it’
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