Liverpool’s links to the Welsh national team, both historical and current, were on show at the Welsh FA Awards earlier in the week.
Two Reds forwards were named at the ceremony on Monday, with Ben Woodburn and Ian Rush both taking individual honours at the 2017 Football Association of Wales Awards.
Woodburn was named Young Player of the Year for the Welsh FA, after his meteoric rise culminated in him playing a vital role in recent World Cup qualifying matches.
Aged just 17, Woodburn debuted had already been in senior squads before, but finally made his debut at the start of September against Austria—coming off the bench to score a dream winner.
As if that wasn’t enough, he followed it up with a brilliant assist against Moldova three days later, helping Wales put six points on the board in qualifying which undoubtedly would not have been the case without his input.
The award is given as a result of public vote and Woodburn was clearly delighted with the recognition, as LiverpoolFC.com reported.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s a massive award and there have been loads of top players in the past that have won it, so it’s a great feeling.”
Woodburn wasn’t alone in representing the Liver Bird on the night; Rush was also honoured, picking up the FA’s Special Award in recognition of services to Welsh football.
Rush won 73 caps for Wales and remains the national team’s record goalscorer, with 28 strikes to his name—though Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale is just two behind now.
Liverpool’s ex No. 9 played for Wales between 1980 and 1996, the same years he originally joined the Reds and departed for the final time.
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