Wolves keeper in Wales pledge

Hennessey missed the 3-1 defeat in Cyprus and the narrow 2-1 win over minnows San Marino through injury which were heavily criticsed by manager John Toshack and fans.

But he is back for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday and the trip next week to face Germany in Frankfurt determined to bring about an improvement.

"I was devastated to be ruled out injured from the last two Wales games, and after watching the matches against Cyprus and San Marino on TV I was even more disappointed for the lads, the way the performances went," he said.

"I was watching back home and saying 'come on' so what Toshack says is understandable.

"Everyone accepts the performances weren't that good, and some of what the boss said afterwards was understandable.

"But the lads have taken that on board and we're all determined to put things right in the next couple of games.

"The training has been really sharp this time around, everyone has been really on form and firing.

"Some of the lads have questioned themselves and had a chat about things, but they all want to turn in a better display this time around."

Hennessey insists his colleagues have accepted the tongue-lashing and aim to put things right against the Irish at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales fans subjected their team to considerable abuse during the San Marino game, which they won 2-1, and Hennessey added: "We will all want to impress now.

"And we want to get the fans back on our side, some of the lads said there was a bit of stick flying around in San Marino, so we all owe them a performance now.

"If you're not playing well the fans will turn on you, so on Saturday we have the chance to put things right.

"It will be a tough game but hopefully we can get something out of the match."