Wilson’s Wales debut nets grandfather six-figure sum

The 62-year-old electrical contractor collected a huge payout after his 16-year-old grandson came off the bench in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Belgium

The grandfather of Liverpool starlet Harry Wilson has won £125,000 (€147,500) after betting that his grandson would one day appear for Wales.

The defender made his debut off the bench for Chris Coleman’s side against Belgium on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player to wear the shirt at only 16 years and 207 days old and paying out Peter Edwards’ £50 (€59) bet from 2000.

The 62-year-old, an electrical contractor, got odds of 2,500-1 on the bet and has immediately retired as a result of his winnings.

“[My wife] is over the moon,” Edwards told the Daily Mirror. “I retired immediately. I told my manager yesterday that if Harry plays I wouldn’t be coming back.

“I’ve retired one year early. I have come home now and will not be going back. Not bad for a daft bet.

“He used to chase the ball around the front room on his hands and knees even before he could walk – that’s what gave me the idea,” the proud granfather explained, “but I hoped the bet would come up.”

Wilson is yet to make his full debut for the Reds but has progressed rapidly as part of Liverpool’s academy system. At only 16, the defender’s earnings are still modest and lengthy trips to and from the city will, says Mr Edwards, be made a lot easier thanks to his winnings.

“This means I will be able to help Harry out,” he added. “You can be quite sure that he will get a share of it.”

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