Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams suffered heartache with Wales last night as they missed out on Euro 2024. John Hartson, however, has now had some words of encouragement for the youngster.
Williams scored a cracker for Wales in midweek as they beat Finland 4-1 to set up last night’s game with Poland. Last night it wasn’t to be though and Rob Page’s team were beaten on penalties to fall at the final fence.
The 21-year-old who has seriously improved for Forest did step up to take a penalty during the shootout. He took the fourth kick for Wales and buried his effort beyond Wojciech Szczesny.
Williams can now make plans for the summer with Euro 2024 off the agenda and the Forest player will get some proper rest. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, however, and it’s a heartbreaking way to lose.
Hartson sees the positives on the back of a demoralising defeat, however. He’s namechecked Forest star Williams during a discussion over the future being bright for Welsh football.
What John Hartson has said about Forest star Neco Williams
Hartson made 51 appearances for Wales but didn’t play at a major tournament during his career. For the current crop of stars, visits to tournaments have been more frequent.
Williams was namechecked this morning when Hartson discussed reasons to be cheerful for the Welsh national team and heaped praise on the Forest player.
Hartson said on TalkSPORT: “Okay, it’s a heartbreaking loss but the positives are there for Wales, it’s a squad that is brimming with young talent and they will come again.
“You’ve got some quality in there. Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, David Brooks and Neco Williams, I’ve got to mention him, he was absolutely outstanding in both games”
Williams can bounce back from setback
For the talented youngster, it’s imperative that he gets his head up and prepared to return to Forest with a point to prove. The Reds have nine games to save their skin in the Premier League and they need a sharp Williams.
Right-back Williams has been vastly improved for Forest this season. He’s made the position on the right side of the defence his own and he’s currently keeping Gonzalo Montiel out of the team.
It should give the player confidence that he can kick on, despite a rough night for Wales. Williams still played pretty well last night and he can return to Forest ready to fight for Premier League survival.
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