Euro 2016 qualifiers: This is Wales' time - Wayne Hennessey
- Published
Euro 2016 qualifier: Wales v Belgium |
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Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Friday, 12 June Kick-off: 19:45 BST |
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport website |
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is convinced Wales can finally end years of heartache and qualify for the Euro 2016 finals.
They are unbeaten in their campaign behind Group B leaders Belgium, who they face on Friday, on goal difference.
Wales have not reached a major finals since 1958 but Crystal Palace's Hennessey is sure they can deliver.
"Just look at the changing room, we've got some fantastic ability," he said.
"The boys are buzzing whenever we meet up with Wales, the staff are always fantastic and I think this is our time."
Belgium replaced Wales on top of Group B in March after a 1-0 win over Israel courtesy of a Marouane Fellaini goal.
Manchester United's Fellaini has been ruled out of Friday's game at Cardiff City Stadium because of a groin injury.
But manager Marc Wilmots has a talented squad at his disposal including PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard of Chelsea.
Hennessey, 28, voted for Hazard as the best player in the Premier League and will be looking to deny the 24-year-old on Friday.
"He's a fantastic talent," former Wolves keeper Hennessey added.
"I picked him as the PFA player because I thought he had a fantastic season for Chelsea,"
"When it comes to Belgium we've got to keep him quiet."
Hennessey only made seven appearances for Crystal Palace last season and was second choice to Julian Speroni.
Former Wales keeper Paul Jones has suggested Hennessey may need to leave Palace to stop his career stagnating
But Anglesey-raised Hennessey is happy at Selhurst Park and does not think his Palace predicament counts against him with the national team.
"I'm still quite young for a goalkeeper and I want to be playing as much as I can," Hennessey said.
"Nobody likes to be sitting on the bench so hopefully next season will be different for me."
There will be a special preview show on BBC Two Wales at 19:30 BST on Thursday, 11 June which will also be simulcast on BBC Radio Wales and streamed on the BBC Sport Website.
- Published20 June 2016
- Published7 June 2019