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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Rob Page's dressing room message to Wales players as Wayne Hennessey opens up on touching Gareth Bale moment

Rob Page told his Wales players that they have good times ahead after what was yet another successful international camp.

The Red Dragons booked their place in the World Cup play-off final by beating Austria 2-1 before several fringe players impressed in a 1-1 friendly draw with Czech Republic at Cardiff City Stadium. You can read the match report here. Page's men will pay close attention to the World Cup draw on Friday afternoon, although they still need to beat either Scotland or Ukraine in the June final to reach the finals in Qatar.

But Page has revealed he will be full of excitement when the draw is conducted later this week and told his players after the Czech Republic draw to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

Read more: What Tottenham boss Antonio Conte told Rob Page about Joe Rodon's Wales display amid Spurs struggles

"Like every other Welsh supporter, I'll be watching the draw. I'm really excited," said the Wales boss.

"I've just said to the group of players, what an unbelievable camp we've just had, and now there's good times to come for this group. I'll be full of excitement watching the draw and I'll be looking forward to the build-up into June."

Tomas Soucek put Czech Republic ahead in Cardiff before Rubin Colwill struck his first international goal just two minutes later to ensure Wales extended their unbeaten home record to 18 matches. The night also saw Wayne Hennessey win his 100th cap for his country.

The goalkeeper was presented with an award from Welsh football legend Neville Southall before the game and received a standing ovation from the Red Wall when he was replaced by Adam Davies on the hour mark.

When exiting the field, Hennessey was embraced by those on the pitch before being hugged by several stars on the sideline, including captain Gareth Bale. And the 35-year-old struggled to hide his emotions after being embraced by close friend and team mate Bale.

“It’s a very special moment. I was very touched, I had a lovely round of applause from the fans. Every single player waiting for me at the side and Gareth waiting for me as well," he told Sgorio. "For Gareth to come and wait for me, I did exactly the same on his 100th cap.

“There was a special moment inside the dressing room as well. You guys don’t get to see that. All of the guys clapping me. A special moment.

"To get that award from a special goalkeeper, I wish I had more time to speak to him. But it was a special to receive from the legend himself."

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