GARETH Bale has called Burnley goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey “a rock in this team” ahead of his 100th Wales cap.

Hennessey is set to make his 100th appearance against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, becoming the third Welshman to reach the milestone after Bale and Chris Gunter.

The 35-year-old shot stopper has kept 40 clean sheets in that time – a Welsh record.

“What an achievement to get to 100 caps,” said Bale. “The one thing with Wayne is he probably goes without much recognition.

“But I guess as a keeper, if people are not talking about you normally that’s a great thing because you haven’t made mistakes.

“I also think people forget he’s got the all-time clean sheet record as well. What a goalkeeper. I think he’s so underestimated, so underrated.

“It’s going to be a great night on Tuesday. Hopefully all the fans come out to support him and show their appreciation because he has really been a rock in this team.

“He’s been a massive part of our success from the start till now and I can’t wait to celebrate his 100th cap with him.”

Hennessey made his international debut against New Zealand in May 2007 and broke Neville Southall’s record of 34 clean sheets in 2020.

The goalkeeper, who also had spells with Wolves and Crystal Palace, helped Wales reach the semi-final of Euro 2016 in France.

Bale added: “We’ve been great friends since our early days and it’s grown and grown to a kind of a bromance.

“We’re inseparable when we come away to camp. It’s been a pleasure to play with him and be a friend of his.

“He’s literally one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. So humble, so down to earth, I’m just proud of him as a friend as well.”

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