NOTTING THRILL

Rousing pre-match speech by Rhys 'Spike' Ifans was unbelievable says Jordan

- NEIL MOXLEY

JORDAN JAMES says Rhys Ifans' impassioned pre-match speech helped Wales book their play-off spot.

The award-winning Welsh actor was invited to speak to Rob Page's squad before their crunch clash against Finland.

Ifans star of such films as Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Twin Town - evoked Welsh "ghosts" of yesteryear in a four-minute unscripted cameo which received a huge round of applause from Ben Davies (with Joe Rodon, far right) and the Red Dragons squad.

His words have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media and James, 19, said that the 56-year-old struck exactly the right note as Wales thumped the visitors 4-1.

The Birmingham City midfielder said: "Did it inspire us? Yes, it was unbelievable.