Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper Wayne Hennessey to call on Neville Southall for advice

Sep 7 2008

HE may be the most laid-back member of the Wales team, but even Wayne Hennessey admits that he will feel the strain before their World Cup tie in Moscow on Wednesday night.

That's why the 21-year-old Wolves keeper hopes to speak to his idol Neville Southall before the squad depart for Russia tomorrow.

"He played in so many massive games, he must have had his own way of preparing. It would be great to get his advice," said Hennessey.

Southall, at his peak the greatest goalkeeper in the world, won a record 92 caps for Wales and Hennessey said: "There's nobody better to listen to." But he is also aware that whatever words of comfort might come his way, he will still be the man in the firing line as a patched-up Wales side face the full attacking fury of the Russians. He said: "It is the biggest game I've faced. Some of the football they played in the Euro finals was fantastic, they can be world-beaters on their day.

"I don't normally get nervous before a game, but I'm sure I will this time.

"There will be a big atmosphere, a lot of noise. It's a massive test for us, especially with the injuries we've picked up. It means we've lost a lot of experience.

"But the lads who have come in are good players in their own right. It's a question of knitting together as a team. I'll be doing my best to keep everyone involved in front of me, making sure they don't switch off.

"That's good because it keeps me on my toes.

Just like I'd rather have the stadium packed than half-empty. It gives you a lift - even if they're cheering for the other team!" The game will earn Hennessey his 12th cap since he was first called up barely a year ago.

It will also edge him just a little closer to Southall's record.

"I might never be as good as he was, but to beat his total is my big ambition," he said..