I WAS at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday to watch a disappointing Wales display against Sweden.

It’s always good to return to Wales for an international fixture.

With the ever-growing involvement of ex-players in the media it is good to catch up with old friends.

Kevin Ratcliffe was there and just loves talking about football – especially Wales and Everton – and as you would expect from someone who was the captain and leader of one of the best teams of the 80s full of strong characters, Kev always speaks with conviction.

Mark Bowen was happy to talk about his final weeks at Eastlands and the Welsh speaking contingent of Dai Davies, Iwan Robwerts and Malcolm Allen, as always, made me jealous and annoyed at myself for not being a better Welsh speaker myself.

But the person I was most pleased to see was John Hartson.

He looked great and gave me a blow-by- blow account of his treatments, past, present and future, without any hint of bitterness or self pity.

He spoke positively and is clearly looking forward rather than back – with inspiring optimism and enthusiasm.

John has taken on his illness in the same manner he used to take on footballing opponents – no quarter given and no quarter asked. With great selflessness and generosity he has started his own charitable foundation to help others in similar circumstances. I urge you to look out for it and support it.