Ton-up Hennessey aims to ‘keep going for as long as I can’
WAYNE HENNESSEY is aiming to prolong his Wales career for as long as possible after joining the 100-cap club.
Beaumaris-raised Hennessey, who was due to wear the captain’s armband for the Cardiff friendly with the Czech Republic last night, becomes the third Welshman after Gareth Bale and record caps holder Chris Gunter to reach the three-figure milestone.
Former Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall has urged the Burnley man to set his sights on winning 150 caps for his country.
“I’m not sure about 150 but that’s nice coming from Nev,” Hennessey said. “Everyone knows what I think about Nev.
“He’s my hero. I’m just going to keep going for as long as I can and represent my country for as long as I can.”
It has been a long road for Hennessey, who was released from the Manchester City academy at the age of 16 before joining Wolves.
The Anglesey product has played over 320 senior games for Wolves, Stockport, Yeovil, Crystal Palace and Burnley.
But being part of Wales’ success and qualifying for two major tournaments Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 - is what Hennessey will always be associated with.
“Every cap is special,” said Hennessey, who made his Wales debut against New Zealand in a May 2007 friendly.
“Whenever I step over that white line, it’s a special occasion.
“You want to give your best, you’re representing your nation and hopefully I can do it as much as possible. Whenever I’m selected, I’ll do that.
“I’ve had so many special moments, qualifying for major tournaments.
“Through the years for Wales it never really happened.
“As a kid growing up it never happened.
“But 2016 was special (when Wales reached the semi-finals of the European Championship) and it’s come on leaps and bounds.”
Hennessey was due to lead a much-changed Wales side from the one that beat Austria on Thursday to move within one win of reaching the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Manager Robert Page said: “Wayne deserves that.
“To lead the boys out is a great honour and I would love to give him the armband to do that.
“He’s an absolute legend of this football team. For what he’s given to the country over the years, he deserves all of the plaudits he’s going to get.”