Clean sheet for Hatters defender Lockyer as Wales nick late win in Finland

Luton defender Tom Lockyer played 90 minutes as he helped Wales keep a clean sheet during their 1-0 Nations League Group B win in Finland this evening.

The centre half, who moved to Kenilworth Road from Charlton Athletic on Tuesday afternoon, was winning his 11th cap, starting alongside Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu in the heart of defence

Lockyer became the ninth Hatter to represent Wales in a full international, following in the footsteps of Ceri Hughes, Mark Pembridge and Peter Nicholas to name three.

However, he wasn't the first player to win a cap for his country before making his Town debut, as Warren Feeney did so when playing for Northern Ireland against Poland in March 2005 after arriving from Stockport County.

Ryan Giggs' side, which included Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, had an early goal disallowed as Cardiff striker Kieffer Moore pushed a Finnish defender before heading in.

The hosts missed a glorious chance to take a second-half lead when Leo Vaisanen somehow volleyed against the post from a yard out.

With 10 minutes left, Manchester United attacker Daniel James sped down the left wing and picked out Moore to convert from close range to win it.

Speaking afterwards, Giggs said: "I thought it was a gritty performance, not our usual flowing football but credit to Finland they made it difficult.

"We had chances early on and if they counted we could have gone on and scored more but it was the type of game we can learn from.

"I always say with a clean sheet you always have a chance, and the players we have produced again."

In Thursday's other Group B fixture, the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 Bulgaria thanks to a late Shane Duffy goal.

On Sunday, Lockyer is back in action as Wales host Bulgaria at Cardiff City Stadium, while the Ireland are at home to Finland.