LEGEND NEV HELPS WAYNE TO SHINE

JAMES NURSEY

FROM

WAYNE HENNESSEY will call idol Neville Southall for advice as he prepares for Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years.

Keeper Hennessey (left with skipper Gareth Bale) is preparing for their opening game against USA in Doha on Monday.

Nottingham Forest’s back-up goalie has won a record 106 caps but still likes to speak to Everton’s Welsh legend Southall (the pair, right).

“I would have loved to see

Neville Southall on the big stage like this. He is a massive hero for me,” said Hennessey.

“I will have to give him a phone call. Any advice I could get from him is key at an event like this. I will keep in touch with him.

“I spoke with him recently and he has a lot of stories which are always interesting. He still comes to games and it is always nice to get his feedback from the games as well.” Hennessey’s heroics in June’s 1-0 play-off final win over Ukraine in Cardiff helped clinch their spot at Qatar.

He made nine saves as Ukraine had the most shots by a team without scoring during the 2022 European World Cup qualifying campaign. Hennessey added: “Neville was very impressed and said my time wasting was very good as well!

“It is always nice when it comes from him. It was a massive game and I officially said it was my best game ever.

“I finished that game and was mentally drained. I came off that field and got back in the dressing room and was absolutely shattered from the concentration levels.

“My head was pounding but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”