A Wales scout first spotted of eight

they go back as better individuals for the experience.”

So what about the Wales versus England issue, which in Woodburn’s case is hard to get away from, even if, as we have explained, Williams is actually looking into Welsh eligibility right across the globe?

The FAW Trust’s technical director Osian Roberts, who oversees the whole youth system here, actually encouraged Woodburn to train with England when they came calling a couple of years back.

There were a few others in the Welsh Under-15s side of the time who joined him across the border in doing that. One by one they have returned to Wales.

It is 100 per cent by choice, not as a result of any pressure applied.

“Each player is encouraged to go through his own development journey and that includes us telling them that if England come calling, they should definitely take a look,” explains Williams.

Do Wales not regard that as a risk, given the pulling power that goes with being an England footballer?

“No, not really,” replies Williams. “Look, what is of paramount importance is the future of the young player.

“There is no pressure from us. We know what we offer, the experiences they have with us. But we are not here

He is the initial trailblazer, though. Asked if he was aware of the gold dust he had helped unearth for Wales by securing Wooburn’s services, Williams said: “I don’t look at it like that. I’m just doing my job.

“It’s a programme that we set up, has objectives that we’ve just met with Ben and objectives that need to be sustained for the future.

That is what we will work towards and we’ve just taken on some more scouts.

“But of course we take enormous pride in seeing Ben shine so brightly for the senior team on the biggest stage. It’s a huge compliment to the whole programme and the people who work in it.

“I sent an email out to our scouts the other day thanking them. To see a player come through like that is wonderful for us.

“I thought Ben summed it up perfectly after his goal against Austria when he described it as ‘A dream come true.’ To be honest, I can’t summarise it any better.

“That’s what the programme has done for him as a young player and for Wales as a nation.

“Ben has taken the opportunity with two hands, but has stayed humble, grounded. As he was back as a 12-year-old in our regional development squad.

“He’s a credit to himself, the people close to him, Liverpool Football club... and to a Welsh nation.”

With the system put in place by the FAW, Woodburn is just one of a glut of Welsh youngsters set to flow off the conveyor belt to keep the feel-good factor going.

The Welsh Way is most definitely working.

Woodburn is a wonderful example of that.