Neco Williams surpassed 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Not bad for a lad from humble beginnings.

Raised in Cefn Mawr, a small village outside of Wrexham, Neco played for his local club Cefn United under the first coach of his fledgling career, Phil Bathers.

Bathers has closely followed his career and his rise to a regular in the Premier League has come as no surprise given how he handled himself early in his career.

“He was a pleasure to coach and even at a young age you could see he was going to be something special. He’s a lovely lad, not only at that age could you see how much talent he had, but as a person he was just lovely.

“He was always the first one to come to training and after every training session he wouldn’t leave without asking if he could help putting equipment away.

“He had the complete package to me as a brilliant footballer and a lovely person.

“I’ve been lucky enough to follow his development over the years to where he is today, I know how much hard work he has put in personally, it’s not just by luck.

You see a lot of players who have got to where they are and to see Neco, it’s not easy where he is and he’s worked so hard.

“He’s had a fantastic upbringing, from a loving, warm, supporting family and I’m so proud of where he is today. He’s never forgotten his roots and to have achieved 100 appearances; I’m so proud of him.”

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo’s brilliant form at the City Ground has resulted in him receiving his first call-up to the Brazil national team for November’s international break.