Neco Williams has plenty of medals, scars and souvenirs from his time in football, but none mean as much as a ring he chooses not to wear.

The Nottingham Forest defender - who is enjoying a stellar season in the Premier League with his club - has revealed his deeply personal tribute to his late grandfather, Kelvin Jones.

The ring will not be on his finger when he plays for Wales in their opening World Cup qualifier on Saturday, but his grandad will be on his mind. 

Among his Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, and FA Youth Cup medals from his tenure at Liverpool, as well as a Sky Bet Championship winner's medal from his loan spell at Fulham, lies the ring, which holds a more profound  value.

It serves as a poignant reminder of his grandfather’s role in Williams' early footballing journey.

Jones not only provided guidance but also frequently transported a young Neco from their home in North Wales to Liverpool's training ground. 

"He wasn't just my grandad, he played a huge part in my football,” says Williams, who will earn his 45th cap against Kazakhstan at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“He was also where I got my football ability from – he actually got scouted for Everton but broke his leg a week before the trial – and I'm still playing for him, 100 per cent."

The bond between them was strong, making the loss when it came, even more challenging.
 
It was at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar when his parents informed him at the team hotel, on the eve of Wales' first match against the United States, about his grandfather's passing. 

READ MORE: Neco Williams Makes It A Triple Welsh Bid For FA Cup Glory

Despite the emotional turmoil, Williams took to the field, believing it was what his grandfather would have wanted. 

“He passed away a day before the game. It was probably one of the toughest moments I have had in football," Williams says.

"I had just lost someone really close to me, who helped me a lot with my football. He used to take me training a lot and came to lots of games. He used to give me lots of advice, too.

"The day after, I had one of the biggest games of my career. It was obviously a tough time. But if he had still been there, he would have said to me, 'you're playing'. Regardless of what's happened. So, that's what I had to do," he says.

In honor of his grandfather's legacy, Williams commissioned a ring bearing Jones' name. 

READ MORE: Wales Kazakhstan World Cup qualifier

The cherished piece sits alongside his medals and trophies, symbolising the enduring impact his grandfather had on his career. 

"I had a ring made with his name on it. It's always a little reminder to myself when I go home to see the achievements in my career with my medals and trophies. The ring is there as well because he helped me get those things."

As Wales prepare to commence their World Cup qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan in Cardiff, followed by an away fixture against North Macedonia, Williams enters the camp brimming with confidence. 

Forest currently occupy third spot in the Premier League and are edging closer to a coveted Champions League spot. 

Reflecting on his resurgent own form, Williams says, "You never lose your ability but you can lose your confidence. 

“Luckily, I obviously have a lot of confidence right now. It's up to me now to take that into these Wales games."

But the lessons from the previous World Cup remain fresh in his mind. 

"The last World Cup feels a long time ago, but it still feels like a tournament where we could have done better. 

“Hopefully, we can use it to qualify for this World Cup and what happened in Qatar can be useful. 

“Last time we were just there, but this time we really want to make an impact. We want to showcase what we can do to the rest of the world."

READ MORE: Confident Craig Bellamy Is Happy To Use England As A Stepping Stone For Wales To Reach The World Cup

Before any hoped-for World Cup finals next year, Williams is determined to help Forest make it a season to savour.

“Being third in the Premier League is some achievement.

“But we still have nine games to play and everyone knows it is arguably the best league in the world, with the best players in the world. 

“To be sitting there in third-place and now able to enjoy the international break, feels like some achievement, but it’s still not over and done.

“We need to finish strongly. You have to take it game by game. 

“That is what we have done all season with Forest. You can’t look too far ahead. You can’t be looking at the run of fixtures.

“That’s been a big part of the success so far - not looking too much ahead.”