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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Paddy Power get behind Wales ahead of England clash with huge sign formed by sheep

Bookmakers Paddy Power have thrown their support behind Wales ahead of their clash with England at the World Cup - with the help of over 1,000 sheep.

The Gareth Bale-led side have struggled in their group phase to date, with a draw against the USA followed by a stunning 2-0 loss against Iran after two goals conceded in added time at the end of the second half.

And as they face England tomorrow evening, Rob Page's side will require a win to have even the slightest hope of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament.

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They currently sit bottom of Group B on one point, and Paddy Power have weighed in with their own support.

The well-known bookie also enlisted the help of two Welsh footballing legends to lead the charge in cheering on the Red Dragons, with the two former internationals adding their support to a campaign which involved 1,200 sheep.

The “SHEEP > LIONS” message was unveiled by former internationals Cliff Jones (87) and Terry Medwin (90) – the two surviving members of the last Wales team to reach the World Cup – at Gower Salt Marsh Farm, just outside Swansea.

Paddy Power, spokesman for the Irish betting firm of the same name said : “ As an Irish brand, we know all about being underdogs at the World Cup. Unlike us, our Celtic cousins have made it to this tournament, and now, on the other side of the world, they face England.

“This is their cup final. They haven’t waited 64 years and travelled all that way to be troubled by a neighbour from back home.

A sheep displays some special branding in the form of a Paddy Power logo as it heads into position for the giant pro-Wales message, before the Dragons take on England in Qatar (Paddy Power)

"We wanted to send a message of support from sheep pen to Rob Page, and warn Southgate: Wales are coming to get ewe – and they plan on showing what they’re made of: courage, fearlessness…and 76.3% wool.”

And former Wales and Tottenham Hotspur star Cliff Jones was enthused by the message from Paddy Power.

He said: “There’s no greater feeling for the Welsh than beating the English, no matter what the sport.

"It’s so ingrained in our culture even the sheep know it!

"This giant message of support from our treasured sheep population will inspire the boys out in Qatar even more!”

The 1,248 square metre sign contains up to 160 sheep per letter and the bookmakers claim that it sets a Guinness World Record for the largest ever sheep formation.

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