NECO’S starred for club and country, younger brother Keelan’s captained Wales Under 18s and showed off his silky skills online but back home in Cefn Mawr, it’s another member of the Williams’ footballing family who is grabbing all the attention.

Eleven-year-old Ocea has been playing at the heart of the Cefn Albion U12s defence - one of two girls in the team battling it out with the boys in the Wrexham and District Junior League.

“She’s always liked football and always wanted to play,” said dad Lee while mum Emma added: “She takes after me although I don’t think I went into tackles like she does.”

Since lockdown ended and grassroots football returned, Ocea has picked up several player of the match awards and considering it’s two years to the day that she broke her leg, her comeback has been something special.

“We didn’t think she’d want to play again,” said Lee. “But she’s got no fear and she is really enjoying being in action again - and she’s playing full-back, just like her brothers.”

Neco hit the headlines at Liverpool, picking up winners’ medals in the Premier League and the Champions League in the famous club’s most successful period in 30 years.

While appearances have been limited this season, Wrexham-born Williams, who has made 11 first team appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, has been a regular in Wales’ senior side, scoring his first international goal against Bulgaria last September and then setting up Jonny Williams’ winner against the same opposition in the return fixture.

“It doesn’t help having the best two full-backs in the Premier League, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson,” added Lee.

“He’s loving it with Wales and really looking forward to the Euros and the World Cup qualifying campaign.

“The way Wales play suits Neco and he’s got the licence to go forward, as you saw with that goal against Bulgaria in Cardiff and setting up the winner away in Bulgaria too.”

Younger brother Keelan was on Liverpool’s books before deciding his career path to first team football would be better suited at Burnley. He is also making good strides at Turf Moor, where he is a first year scholar hoping to earn a professional deal.

He captained Wales U18s in their recent international clash with England and was featured in the BBC Match of the Day Extra’s Wonderkids Challenge, where the highlight was nutmegging the keeper.

The two brothers regularly return home - when the Williams household get plenty of knocks on the door.

“We do get a lot of people asking for signed photos, shirts,” said mum Emma. “And the boys don’t mind at all. They’ll always find time for people in the village.

“They’re two lads from the Cefn and they’ll always be approachable - we wouldn’t expect anything different from them just because they’re professional footballers.”

But what does the future have in store for Ocea?

“She did have an offer to play for Wrexham Girls but she just wants to play with her friends and Cefn Albion is a good club with a good coach, who gives everyone a chance,” added Lee. “She’s loving playing and that’s all you want as a parent is for your kids to enjoy their hobby.”

And out on the pitch is not the only place where Ocea will be showing off her footwork.

Mum Emma runs the Dance Zone in Cefn which this week re-opened after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Together with her sisters, Taya and Sarae, the three compete in dance competitions across the country.

“Ocea will be back dancing once the season’s over, I’m sure,” added the proud parents, Lee and Emma.