Wales manager Ryan Giggs gushed about Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn ahead of his side facing Slovakia on Sunday.
The international boss shared that he thought the 19-year-old was clearly a talent despite having a tricky 18 months, and claimed Woodburn was great to have around his squad as the teen was a character.
Giggs revealed that he had noticed a lift in Woodburn’s confidence recently as he revealed that he had spotted a difference in the teen following his goal against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.
“Yeah I mean he was great I spoke about it after the game,” said Giggs in his press conference ahead of Wales v Slovakia, as covered by Sky Sports.
“He has had a tricky 18 months or so but he is a talent so he’s someone who can express himself, he’s somebody you’d pay to see and he’s great to have around the place cause he’s a character so it was great for him.
“I have seen a difference, I have seen a lift which is what you want going into this game.”
OPINION
It’s no surprise that Giggs is gushing about Woodburn as he was the player who ensured Wales got the win on Wednesday. The teenager scored just before the final whistle blew in his latest outing to ensure Wales secured a narrow 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. Based on Giggs’ praise of the Liverpool teen, it seems likely that he will be deployed against Slovakia. That game is set to be a test for Wales and if Woodburn wows then it will surely have his confidence back to where it should be. The 19-year-old no doubt lost a bit of his swagger this season after being loaned to Sheffield United only for him to return to Anfield due to not impressing for the Championship outfit. Woodburn has regularly been spoken about as one of Liverpool’s most promising youngsters and you feel that failed loan move would have had some worried about him at Anfield. Yet if the 19-year-old can deliver the goods for Wales then that surely is a positive sign which can be clung to.
