By Phil White
Ryan Giggs has hailed the impact of Neco Williams after the Liverpool teenager became the new hero of Welsh football.
Williams scored his first senior goal to maintain Wales’ 100 per cent record in the Nations League after he came on to win his second cap as a 65th-minute substitute, then headed home Jonny Williams’ 94th-minute cross at the end of a stunning 23-pass move to give Wales a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Cardiff.
“Neco’s attitude is first-class, when you have a professional who wants to improve then you’ve got a chance,” Wales manager Giggs said after the 19-year-old full-back had secured Sunday’s last-gasp win.
“He’s shown the quality and confidence and desire all throughout the week, these players inspire you.
“He’s had a fantastic week. He’s just made his debut three days ago and then scored the winning goal.
“He’s been brilliant all week, not only in the games but in training as well. He’s brought a good energy and lots of quality.”
Wales had also struck late in Finland three days earlier to start their 2020/21 Nations League campaign with a win.
Giggs’ side are now three points clear of Finland – 1-0 winners against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Sunday – at the top of League B, Group 4.
Wales have won four successive games either side of the hiatus in international football because of the coronavirus pandemic and are seven unbeaten.
“It’s a good trait to have, we keep going,” said Giggs, when reminded that he played in Manchester United teams who had a knack of scoring late goals in what was christened ‘Fergie Time’.
“It wasn’t the flowing football we’ve produced in the past. I think that’s to do with the time of the season and the fitness and sharpness of the players.
“The two teams we’ve played are a month into the new season. I thought that played a part, and we started sluggish. We looked flat. The second half was much better, although we didn’t create a lot of chances.
“We’ve had some good clean sheets, and when you have clean sheets it always gives you a chance to produce the wins.”
Wales face a Nations League double-header on the road in October with trips to the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria. But before that the Dragons have a friendly date with England at Wembley on October 8.
What a moment for Neco Williams! 🔥🏴
The #LFC right-back grabs a late, late winner on his home debut for @Cymru as they make it 2 wins from 2 in the UEFA Nations League! ✅💯
Watch live reaction on Sky Sports Football now: https://t.co/N7ulkFjPVO pic.twitter.com/AudkBZzNmQ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 6, 2020
“England have shown what a quality team they are with strength in depth,” Giggs said.
“But we’re getting there as well with the strength in depth and we go into every game thinking we’ve got a chance.”
Williams has set his sights on that Wembley clash where he is likely to make his first start against the country who tried to convince the full-back that his future lay with them.
“Next month we’ve got England and that’s going to be a great game,” Williams said after scoring his first goal in senior football.
“With the quality we have in this team we’re going to prove we’re capable of beating them.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a great game. All the boys are excited and can’t wait for the game.”
“Being part of this team is like being part of a family.” 🤝
Neco Williams reflects on a dramatic home debut for Wales in today’s win against Bulgaria and explains what it’s like to be part of Ryan Giggs’ squad. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/rcYBh2bAeC
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 6, 2020
Wrexham-born Williams could have played for England due to a grandparental qualification.
But he represented Wales through the age grades and committed himself to Giggs’ team when he won his first senior cap in a 1-0 win in Finland on Thursday.
“England were trying to ring my agent a lot and wanting to speak to me,” Williams said.
“But I weren’t having none of it, my family’s Welsh, I’m Welsh and my friends are Welsh. So it was always going to be Wales.”
On his rise at Liverpool – where he picked up a Premier League winner’s medal last season – he added: “I would just say I’m improving as a player and learning from some of the best players in the world.
“To watch them and watch what they do, that’s only going to improve me as a player.
“If I keep humble and keep working hard, keep getting opportunities, I’ll work hard to show both gaffers (Giggs at Wales and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool) what I can do.”
Wales have not lost since June 2019 and the last two wins have been secured by late goals, something with which he was familiar with during his Manchester United playing career under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Bulgaria manager Georgi Dermendzhiev was left to lament another late goal against his team after the Republic of Ireland had equalised in Sofia on Thursday to force a 1-1 draw.
“You have to play until the final whistle and we weren’t concentrated enough,” Dermendzhiev said.
“But we had a lot of positives because we had players injured and had to make changes.”