WELSH TEENAGER Harry Wilson has become the youngest player ever to play for his country — earning his grandfather a small fortune in the process.
Liverpool winger Wilson broke a record previously held by Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale when he played in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw away to Belgium at the age of 16 years and 207 days.
It was a cause for double celebration for his grandfather, Pete Edwards, who had placed a £50 (€59) bet that Wilson would one day play for Wales at odds of 2,500/1 in 2000, when his grandson was only two years old.
Wilson’s appearance as an 87th-minute substitute in the World Cup qualifier at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium meant that bookmakers William Hill had to cough up £125,000.
“Mr Edwards has been able to quit his job as a result of his amazing ability to spot fledgling talent earlier than almost anyone else we’ve ever taken a bet from,” said a William Hill spokesman.
“Apparently, England have also been interested in Harry, who has a grandmother born in Chester. If (England manager) Roy Hodgson had snapped him up, this bet would have been a loser!”
