Danny Ward: It was a very proud moment

With first-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey ruled out due to a back problem, the Reds stopper was given his big chance by Chris Coleman against Martin Skrtel’s team, and responded with an excellent display.

Ward, 22, became only the fourth Liverpool goalkeeper to play in a European Championship following Ray Clemence in 1980, Sander Westerveld in 2000 and Pepe Reina in 2008.

Commenting on his Euro 2016 bow, Ward said: “I knew he [Hennessey] was struggling with his injury, but that’s what we’re trained to do.

“You’ve got to make sure you prepare right and you’re ready when the chance comes.

“Whether you have a week to think about it or a couple of hours, it’s still going to be a big thing.

“It was a very proud moment but straight away you switch into game mode.”

Reflecting just what the win meant to everybody involved with Wales, Ward added: “It’s a big win for us.

“It’s important to get a good start in any tournament. The first game’s massive to lay down a marker.

“We made a little bit of history but we want to kick on and make some more.”

The Reds stopper also earned special praise from Coleman who said: “Danny stepped up and, to come in to that atmosphere and perform like that, I thought he was outstanding.”

Wales are back in action on Thursday afternoon when they take on England in Lens.