Wayne Hennessey
WAYNE Hennessey is aiming to prolong his Wales career for as long as possible ahead of his 100th cap tonight. Hennessey, who will wear the captain’s armband for the Cardiff friendly with the Czech Republic, becomes the third Welshman after Gareth Bale and record caps holder Chris Gunter to reach the three-figure milestone.
Wayne Hennessey said: “Every cap is special. Whenever I step over that white line, it’s a special occasion. You want to give your best, you’re representing your nation and hopefully I can do it as much as possible. Whenever I’m selected, I’ll do that. I’ve had so many special moments, qualifying for major tournaments. Through the years for Wales it never really happened. As a kid growing up it never happened. But 2016 was special (when Wales reached the semi-finals of the European Championship) and it’s come on leaps and bounds.”
Hennessey will lead a much-changed Wales side from the one that beat Austria on Thursday to move within one win of reaching the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Manager Robert Page has promised to make changes with the likes of Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen set to be rested. Page wants to give younger members of his squad an opportunity against opponents reeling from their World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden. On handing Hennessey the captaincy,
Robert Page said: “Wayne deserves that. To lead the boys out is a great honour and I would love to give him the armband to do that. He’s an absolute legend of this football team. For what he’s given to the country over the years, he deserves all of the plaudits he’s going to get.”
