BRAVE NECO OUR DRAGONHEART
NECO WILLIAMS was praised for his “bravery” in starring for Wales less than 24 hours after the death of his grandfather.
The Nottingham Forest defender revealed following the 1-1 draw with the USA on Monday night that Kelvin Jones had passed away the previous day.
Williams, 21, said he managed to get through the game thanks to the support of his team-mates and family as he paid tribute to his grandfather.
Posting on Instagram after the match – Wales’ first appearance in the World Cup finals since 1958 – Williams said the news from his mum was “the toughest I’ve ever had to face”. Williams, from the village of Cefn Mawr, near Wrexham in north Wales, added: “He’s been everywhere around the world to watch me play from when I first started playing at Liverpool at six years old.
“He would never tell me if I had a good game because he always said I have to get better and better each day, and that’s why I am where I am now.
“I know he’s up there watching down on me very proudly.” On Twitter, Williams (right, at full-time in the USA game) added: “To go from crying all day to starting in a World Cup game was extremely tough but I got through it with the support of my team-mates and family.” Close pal Harry Wilson, a clubmate of Williams at both Liverpool and Fulham, said the squad were determined to support him after praising his performance at left wing-back versus USA. Wilson said: “I got told early on. I dropped him a message.
The next day he had a lot of emotions. “Everyone knows how tough it is to lose a family member. The lads got around him and tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible. “Me and the rest of the lads made sure we were there for him. But for him to put in the performance he did less than 24 hours after finding out the news shows what a strong character he is. “His family and grandad will be proud of him. Necs showed great courage and bravery to play the game. I thought he was fantastic.”
Wales return to action tomorrow against Iran in the heat of a lunchtime kick-off.
Rob Page’s men watched a video of Iran’s 6-2 defeat by England.
Asked if it was a must-win match, Wilson (left, with Williams) replied: “In tournament football to not lose your first game is huge. If we get a positive result against Iran it sets us up nicely going into the game against England.” Meanwhile, Wales chief Noel Mooney has blasted FIFA and explained why Gareth Bale dropped the ‘One Love’ armband. Skipper Bale had to shelve plans to wear the armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community after FIFA threatened to book or dismiss players wearing it.
FAW chief Mooney said: “We think it was a terrible decision. “We had said we would accept fines, whatever sanctions came. But when it turned at the very last moment to be specific sporting sanctions, that is a different thing. It was done so late.”