Daily Mirror

Brave Neco after death of grandad

- BY ADAM ASPINALL

WALES defender Neco Williams has revealed how he played in his country’s opening World Cup match one day after being told his grandfathe­r had died.

Neco, who was substitute­d in the second half of the 1-1 draw against the USA in Doha, was in tears at the end of the game.

The 21-year-old pointed to the sky in tribute to Kelvin Jones.

He later tweeted: “Yesterday was the toughest news I’ve ever had to face. To go from crying all day to start in a World Cup game was extremely tough. But I got through it from the support of my teammates and family.”

The Nottingham Forest player had spoken of the influence of his family, including his grandfathe­r, before the tournament.

He said “I think it’s my grandad who I got it off. “He was a good player and got scouted for a few teams back in his days and was one of the best footballer­s around my village. “Injuries stopped him, so I’ve continued what could have been for him.”

 ?? ?? TRIBUTE Neco after USA match
TRIBUTE Neco after USA match

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