Liverpool forward Cheryl Foster has become the most-capped player in the history of Welsh women’s football.
Foster won her 52nd cap for when Wales played Azerbaijan in a World Cup Qualifier. Current Welsh coach Kath Morgan’s record stood at 51 games for her country.
Striker Cheryl, who captained her country in her 50th game, said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to happen since I started playing football. I’m really proud of it.”
“It’s taken me thirteen years to beat Kath Morgan’s record, which has stood for about fifteen years, so it’s taken a little while, but it’s all been worth it. Many of the younger players already have 20/30 caps, so my record will be broken eventually. But it’ll be great being able to say I was once the most capped Welsh player. Definitely one for the CV.”
“I haven’t got a particular cap that stands out really, but a few years back we went to Macedonia and played three games in ten days. I really had a great time out there, because when you’re winning, playing well and scoring, you enjoy them more.”
Cheryl started her career at the Conway Devils and cites her Dad as her main influence for getting into football. Having made her international debut against the Republic of Ireland in 1997, she’s seen many changes in the women’s game since then. She said: “There’s a massive difference from when I started playing.”
“No disrespect to the girls from fifteen years ago, because they worked hard and were good players, but the team now is much more technical. We’ve got some good players in the Welsh squad, many of whom are going to go on and be big stars.”
Wales currently sit second in their qualifying group for the World Cup in Germany, having played four games. Cheryl definitely thinks that the team is headed in the right direction. She said: “We’re getting stronger and stronger as the games go on.”
“It’s a shame I’m not younger, I’d love to hang around and help out the team for another twelve years. I haven’t got any plans to retire just yet though; I want to keep playing as long as I possibly can.”