HENNESSEY A PERFECT ADDITION

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HENNESSEY A PERFECT ADDITION - MERCER

Goalkeeping coach delighted with arrival of latest international

2021-07-20T09:55:00.000Z

HENNESSEY A PERFECT ADDITION - MERCER

Goalkeeping coach delighted with arrival of latest international

2021-07-20T09:55:00.000Z

Goalkeeping coach delighted with arrival of latest international

Goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer believes Wayne Hennessey will be the perfect addition to the Clarets’ keeping ranks.

Hennessey adds his name to lengthy list of international goalkeepers who have plied their trade at Turf Moor – with England’s Nick Pope and Northern Ireland number-one Bailey Peacock-Farrell the most recent additions to the role of honour.

The most-capped goalkeeper in Wales’ history, Hennessey has also enjoyed an outstanding club career stretching back close to 15 years.

And Mercer expects the 34-year-old to be a perfect fit after ending a lengthy spell with Crystal Palace to resume his top-flight career with the Clarets.

“You only have to look at his record,” said Mercer who has worked with and nurtured some outstanding keepers during more than a decade of service at Turf Moor.

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“He has played 96 times for Wales and 181 Premier League games, so he's got bags of experience. He is a top-class goalkeeper and a great professional.

“We've done a lot of homework finding out about his background and he is everything you want at a football club.

“He is very supportive if he's not playing, which is vital because we pride ourselves on the team spirit we have here.

“He’s a great addition to what we already have as a great group of goalkeepers.”

Hennessey – who has signed an initial two-year deal at Burnley as the Clarets’ second summer signing – joins a department with Pope currently established as the number-one with back-up last season from Will Norris and Northern Ireland international Peacock-Farrell.

“Bailey and Will are fantastic goalkeepers in their own right, but in terms of Premier League they are still relatively inexperienced,” added Mercer.

“Wayne has bags of experience but it's not just a given that he will come in and be in a certain position. He's going to have to work hard for it which he’s proved over the years is what he does.

“He works hard at training and works hard at his game. He still got a desire to play for his country, which is really good.

“He has a passion because he wants to get to 100 caps, which is incredible when you look at the goalkeepers who have played for Wales before him. I am excited and it is strengthening the goal keeping department that little bit more.”