Charlton and Crystal Palace players praised by Wales stand-in boss Page
BY MAX HALL
Stand-in Wales manager Robert Page has hailed the performances of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and Charlton defender Chris Gunter in Saturday’s friendly win against Mexico.
With Addicks full-back Gunter having become his nation’s first male footballer to win 100 caps, Page said the 31-year-old was not just in the current camp to reach that ceremonial milestone.
“He’s always been in contention,” said Page, ahead of tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier at home to Czech Republic. “We’re not surprised by the level of performance he gave against Mexico. He’s in the squad for a reason, not just to get his caps. He’s there for a reason, to compete for a place.”
Pagesaid the players celebrated Gunter’s achievement at a team meal after a 1-0 victory in Cardiff, secured by a deft finish from former Millwall target Kieffer Moore.
“He deserved all the praise,” said Page, when asked about Gunter. “The players took a lot of praise for their performance but it was all about Chris because it’s a massive achievement. He was really humble with it and gave another great speech to the players about how important it is to play for your country.”
Welsh ace Gareth Bale also paid tribute to his compatriot. “It’s fantastic for Guntz to reach the 100,” said the on-loan Tottenham attacker, between questions about whether he would return to parent club Real Madrid at the end of the season. “We are very proud he could achieve that, especially to be the first male player to do that in history. It shows his commitment to Wales and what he’s achieved over the past.”
Manager Page was also asked about the performance of Palace keeper Hennessey, who played for the first time, on Saturday night, since suffering injury while on Nations League duty with Wales in October.
“I was really impressed with Wayne, absolutely,” said Page, “he’s been injured and had a difficult season and he’s come back into it and given a great account of himself. He falls into that category of senior players that it’s great to have around the camp. He’s a credit to himself, not just on the pitch but off it as well.”
