HARRY Wilson has praised Neco Williams’ “courage and bravery” for playing in Wales’ World Cup opener - just hours after the death of his grandfather.

Williams’ grandfather died on Sunday, November 20, and the Nottingham Forest full-back shared the sad news on social media after playing in Wales’ 1-1 draw against the United States a day later.

Wilson is particularly close to Williams, having been with him at both Liverpool and Fulham.

The pair helped the Cottagers into the Premier League last season during the latter’s loan spell at Craven Cottage.

And, of course, they both grew up in North Wales with Williams hailing from Cefn Mawr and Wilson having grown up in Corwen.

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Paying tribute to his Wales team-mate, Wilson said: “Neco showed great courage and bravery to play the game.

“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.”

Wales play Iran on Friday (November 25, 10am kick-off) before concluding their group games against England on Tuesday (November 29, 7pm kick-off).