admin
29-05-2007, 12:30
</p>http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/wd2111801wolves-v-albion-2.jpgWolves keeper Wayne Hennessey has been backed to become a “top class Premiership keeper” as he prepares for his Euro 2008 international bow.
The 20-year-old made his full Wales debut when he appeared as a half-time substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 friendly draw with New Zealand at Wrexham.
He is in line to make his first start this weekend when Wales take on the Czech Republic in a European Championships qualifier with Danny Coyne injured and Jason Brown given leave for a family illness.
Welsh great Neville Southall, who coached the Wolves shotstopper for Wales under-19s, believes Hennessey has everything to make a top keeper.
“He’s the best young Welsh keeper I’ve seen for a while and he has every attribute needed to be a top-class Premiership stopper,” said Southall.
“Hennessey is Wales’ goalkeeper for the next generation so I couldn’t understand why John Toshack didn’t give the young lad a full 90 minutes against New Zealand.
“‘Tosh’ has long complained about his goalkeeping reserves, but Hennessey could prove to be something special. He looks like he belongs at international level.
“Our Euro 2008 dreams are long gone, so, with qualification academic, Tosh should blood Hennessey and let him make his mistakes, so that when it does matter he’s more experienced to cope.
“He’s a huge presence who fills the goal. He’s also brave, agile, a decent kicker, commands his area superbly and organises his defence well. But Wayne’s great asset is his incredible temperament. The bigger the game, the better he plays.
“I watched him play for Wolves in the play-offs against West Brom and he was excellent.”
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/29/13838/)
The 20-year-old made his full Wales debut when he appeared as a half-time substitute in Saturday’s 2-2 friendly draw with New Zealand at Wrexham.
He is in line to make his first start this weekend when Wales take on the Czech Republic in a European Championships qualifier with Danny Coyne injured and Jason Brown given leave for a family illness.
Welsh great Neville Southall, who coached the Wolves shotstopper for Wales under-19s, believes Hennessey has everything to make a top keeper.
“He’s the best young Welsh keeper I’ve seen for a while and he has every attribute needed to be a top-class Premiership stopper,” said Southall.
“Hennessey is Wales’ goalkeeper for the next generation so I couldn’t understand why John Toshack didn’t give the young lad a full 90 minutes against New Zealand.
“‘Tosh’ has long complained about his goalkeeping reserves, but Hennessey could prove to be something special. He looks like he belongs at international level.
“Our Euro 2008 dreams are long gone, so, with qualification academic, Tosh should blood Hennessey and let him make his mistakes, so that when it does matter he’s more experienced to cope.
“He’s a huge presence who fills the goal. He’s also brave, agile, a decent kicker, commands his area superbly and organises his defence well. But Wayne’s great asset is his incredible temperament. The bigger the game, the better he plays.
“I watched him play for Wolves in the play-offs against West Brom and he was excellent.”
More... (http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/05/29/13838/)
