Wales hail a Hal of a comeback

WALES legend Hal Robson- Kanu is back and cannot wait to pull on the famous red shirt again.

The West Brom striker, 31, returns to the fold for the Nations League games against Finland and Bulgaria for the first time after announcing his international retirement over two years ago.

But Robson- Kanu says it feels like he has never been away after joining up with Ryan Giggs’ squad for tomorrow’s clash in Helsinki.

The Baggies forward enjoys cult status with Welsh fans after his goal in the shock 3- 1 win over Belgium that clinched a Euro 2016 semi- final place.

There is even an unofficial ‘ Hal Robson- Kanu Day’ to celebrate the anniversary of that epic victory on July 1.

He admits he is feeling the love and is delighted to be in the fray after doing a U- turn on his decision to quit the international scene.

Robson- Kanu, below, said: “It doesn’t feel strange. It feels like I’ve never been away.

“I don’t regret my decision. We had just been relegated at West Brom, we were going into a

46- game season and there were family reasons.

“I’ve got three children and sometimes you need to take a break from the demands on you.

“It was a decision I needed to make but now I feel good and ready to do my best for the nation and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

“Pulling on a Welsh shirt has always been a phenomenal experience. The Hal Robson- Kanu Day thing has popped up from time to time. What can I say? I don’t think it’s official! But it is a reminder of that great summer.”

He would love to pay back Giggs for the understanding he has shown, adding: “I spoke to him prior to qualifying for the Euros and said, ‘ I’m in a better place now and would be ready to be called’.

“He was phenomenal and said the door was never going to be closed and he’s shown that’s the case.

“There’s a fantastic togetherness in this squad and a lot of talent. It’s brilliant to be back because there have been experiences you never forget and, hopefully, for me, it’s all about trying to create more.

“The highlight was us beating Belgium but the goal was just a moment in time and when I look back it’s all about the experience we had as a group.”