Hennessey playing a whole new wall game

But after some unorthodox physiotherapy Hennessey went on loan again — to Stockport — and created a record by keeping nine consecutive clean sheets.

It sparked an amazing turn-around in fortunes for the Welshman, 20, who has made the Wolves job his own in the absence of Matt Murray.

And with Lewis Price not in Derby's first-team, Hennessey is preferred to Tranmere's Danny Coyne by Wales boss John Toshack.

The young keeper, who wins his fourth cap against Germany in Wales' Euro 2008 qualifier in Cardiff on Saturday, said: "My shoulder needed surgery and my arm was in a sling for six weeks afterwards.

"Myself and Wolves physio Barry Holmes needed to find exercises to build my muscles back up and we hit on the idea of climbing.

"It can get very boring coming in doing the same things every day, so it was good to get out and try something new.

"After half an hour's climbing you really feel the strain on your hands, arms and shoulders. It's been really useful exercise to get my upper body strength back — and fun at the same time."

Hennessey, who was at Manchester City with Kasper Schmeichel, left for Wolves after the young Dane was preferred to him.

He added: "I was third choice at Wolves this time last year. I used to go out with my mates and moan because I wasn't involved around the first team.

"The past few days and weeks have just got better and better. It's nice that I'm starting with my team and hopefully I can claim the No 1 jersey for Wales."