A NORTH Wales-born footballer has sealed a move back to the Premier League today (Friday, July 15).

Wayne Hennessey was born in Bangor, Gwynedd, and grew up in Llanfaes - which is just outside Beaumaris on Anglesey.

Over the years, the 35-year-old has become Wales' number one goalkeeper and earned his 100th cap in a 1-1 draw v Czech Republic in March.

The reliable shot-stopper has now been unveiled as newly-promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest's latest summer signing.

Read more: Wales star George North relishing the experience of Test decider in Cape Town

He will join fellow North Walian footballer Neco Williams at the City Ground next season.

The defender, who is from Cefn Mawr, recently signed from Liverpool in a deal said to be worth around £17 million.

Last season, Hennessey was relegated from the top-flight with Burnley.

But now he returns to a division in which he has made 183 appearances in previously.

Hennessey was educated at Ysgol David Hughes school in Menai Bridge on Anglesey.

He later switched to Connah's Quay High School in Deeside as that made it easier for him and his family to travel to Manchester, where he was a trainee for City before being released in 2003.

The goalkeeper then joined Wolverhampton Wanderers where he went onto sign his first professional contract in April 2005.

He played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Burnley in the Premier League.

North Wales Chronicle:

PIC: Wales v Ukraine – FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier – Play Off – Final – Cardiff City Stadium. Picture by Press Association.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest's media tea upon signing, he said: “I’ve come up against Forest a lot in the past and it’s a fantastic club. There’s a great fanbase and the atmosphere at The City Ground is up there with the best in the game. It’ll be a different level now that we’re back in the Premier League.

“I have also played with and against a few of the Forest players. It’s a very exciting time to come on board and I can’t wait to get involved and start training here at the Nigel Doughty Academy.”

For Wales, he has become something of an icon down the years.

He just recently helped his country qualify for its first World Cup in 64 years.

Hennessey was Man of the Match in the 1-0 win over Ukraine which sealed a place at Qatar 2022, pulling off nine saves.