HARRY WILSON has praised Neco Williams’ “courage and bravery” for playing in Wales’ World Cup opener on Monday following the death of his grandfather.

Williams’ grandfather died on Sunday and the Nottingham Forest full-back shared the sad news on social media after playing in Wales’ 1-1 draw against the United States.

Wilson is particularly close to Williams, having been with him at Liverpool and Fulham and both were born in Wrexham. The pair helped the Cottagers into the Premier League last season during the latter’s loan spell at Craven Cottage.

“Neco showed great courage and bravery to play the game,” said Wilson, who hails from Corwen while Williams comes from Cefn Mawr.

“Everybody knows to lose a family member is never easy. For that to happen on the eve of his first ever World Cup game…and to put in a performance like that as well, I thought he was fantastic.

“The lads got around him and tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible.

“He had a lot of emotion after receiving the news less than 24 hours before the game, but I thought his performance was great.”