Crystal Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey earns praise from Wales number one Darren Ward
BY MAX HALL
With uncertainty surrounding the future of soon to be out-of-contract Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, the man who replaced him as first choice for Wales has paid tribute to his 34-year-old rival.
Speaking from the Wales camp in Rome yesterday, Leicester City keeper Danny Ward said Hennessey’s presence in the Wales squad was inspirational.
Asked about the prospect of being able to eclipse the achievements of 96-capped Hennessey, and even legendary Wales keeper Neville Southall, Ward said: “Two unbelievable custodians for Wales, which is quite a lot to live up to, but it’s something I embrace, especially when you’ve got Wayne still there, still with me. He has us in fits of laughter every day so it’s inspirational.”
Ward, like Hennessey, has had to be content with being a back-up at club level, and is set to face his Leicester rival Kasper Schmeichel when Wales face Denmark in the last 16 in Amsterdam on Saturday. Despite unseating Hennessey as first choice for his country this season, Ward said the spirit among the three Welsh goalkeepers – including Stoke number one Adam Davies – is unbeatable.
“Wayne and Adam have been amazing with me,” said the 28-year-old. “I’ve known Wayne for a number of years now. The support that him and Davo [Davies] have given me, especially for the last month or so, has been incredible, so I can’t speak highly enough of either of them. We all push each other on, and the camaraderie we have as a goalkeeping unit is unbelievable.”
Ward added: “The three of us, I think, if you ask the other couple as well, regardless of who has got the shirt, we are ensuring standards are high in training. We’re pushing each other to work and make sure no-one’s comfortable [as first choice]. The three of us have an unbelievable relationship, with the mutual respect there.”
And Ward also mentioned the support role played by another ex-keeper familiar to Millwall and QPR fans.
“We have a good laugh as well, with Tony too,” said Ward, referring to Wales goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts. “It’s something that’s quite unique and special.”