Wales are on the cusp of greatness.
Four years ago, Wales were ranked 82nd in the world. By the end of the week, they could be champions of Europe. It is an astonishing turnaround in fortunes for a nation which has had to wait 52 years for their second appearance at a major tournament.
Perhaps no one captures this remarkable journey better than Welsh striker Hal Robson-Kanu. On of the English-born players in the Wales squad, the 27-year-old has been one of the unsung heroes whose massive contribution to the Euro 2016 cause have gone somewhat unnoticed by those outside of Wales.
Scoring vital goals against both Slovakia and Belgium, the Reading striker has flourished on the big stage for Wales – which makes it even more remarkable that his first call-up for Wales came about because of some playful teasing from a Reading team-mate.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, former Wales coach Brian Flynn told the story of how Robson-Kanu first secured a call-up for the national team.
According to Flynn, he was visiting the Reading training ground when former midfielder Glen Little pointed Robson-Kanu out and shouted across the cafeteria: “He can play for Wales because he goes on holiday there.”
Flynn says he then sat down with Robson-Kanu explain that he knew Little was taking the piss, but the striker went on to explain that his grandmother was Welsh. The rest, they say, is history.
