Mickey: We WILL climb our Everest
MICKEY THOMAS is marching up Snowdon for charity later this month – and by then he’s hoping his beloved Wales will have scaled the World Cup heights at long last.
Qualifying for the finals has been a footballing Everest for the Dragons – 1958 was the last time they graced the game’s biggest stage.
Maverick winger Thomas was capped 51 times for his country and believes it’s now or never for some of Wales biggest stars against Ukraine in Cardiff this afternoon.
Thomas said: “It’s a monster game in terms of what it means to Welsh football and to the country.
“If we reach the World Cup finals, believe me, over the next months there will only be one conversation. This is an absolutely huge day.
“For top players like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen it’s their last opportunity to get to the World Cup finals. There’s no bigger incentive.
“It’s been far too long, especially when you look at some of the great Welsh players who have never played in the World Cup finals – Ian Rush, Ryan Giggs, Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe and many others.
“You have to respect Ukraine but Wales are at home, and have players like Bale who is a matchwinner – as he has proved in the past.
“Cardiff City Stadium will be intimidating with the Welsh fans in full voice. I was there for the last game, against Austria, and I know how it can inspire the Welsh players and put fear into the opposition.”
Courageous
In two weeks’ time the 67-year-old has his own mountain to climb. His ‘Walk For Life’ is raising funds for the unit at Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital, which ensured he is still here to tell the tale after a courageous fight against cancer of the oesophagus.
Walking alongside him will be Andrew Baker, the surgeon who helped save the former Wrexham, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea forward’s life. Thomas added: “When you see the images of me all wired up and looking as if I was on death row, it’s a miracle I’m here.”
Mickey Thomas’s ‘Walk For Life’ on June 18 will be raising money for the Awyr Las Upper GI Fund at Wrexham Hospital. To support or join in, ring 07966509692 or go to awyrlas.org.uk/ walk-for-life-mickey-thomas