NEWPORT’S Chris Gunter is dreaming of glory at Euro 2016 but he faces a difficult dilemma if Wales progress beyond the quarter-finals in France.
The Reading defender’s brother Marc, an amateur player with Newport Civil Service, is getting married in Mexico on July 7 and Chris is his best man.
Marc is a keen follower of Wales, while his parents will also be in France to cheer on Chris as Chris Coleman’s men take on Slovakia, England and Russia in Group B.
If Wales progress beyond the group in their first major tournament since 1958 they will face a second round tie on between June 25 and June 27.
Win that and they will be in quarter-final action between July 1 and July 3 and the semi-finals are scheduled for July 6 or July 7 – Marc’s big day.
"He hasn't moved his wedding and I'm supposed to be best man so I'm hoping that I can't make it," joked Chris.
"He had his stag do, because of the chance of qualifying and stuff, last summer – two days after the Belgium game.
"Then it was booked just after we qualified. He's taken quite a lot of stick and it's caused a couple of problems.
"The other problem is it's in Mexico! It's on July 7, but it's not one of those where you could just jump over on a two-hour flight.
"He's coming to the first three games. The biggest problem for him will be if we do get through and keep going, he'll be absolutely devastated on one hand because everybody will be in France."
Gunter is set to win his 68th cap in Saturday’s Group B opener against Slovakia in Bordeaux.
And with the top two from each group going through — plus the four best third-placed sides — he hopes to go beyond 70 caps this summer.
"Maybe the best scenario would be to miss his wedding and we'll have a party back home afterwards. But that's his problem," he added.
"His other best mate, who he's known for years and years, has been following Wales for as long as I can remember.
"There's no way he'll be in Mexico if Wales are still in the tournament.
"And let's not get started on what my parents are going to do!
"As you can imagine, it's caused a few conversations, but it would be an unbelievable problem.
"There wouldn't be anyone happier than my brother if we had to miss it. We'll wait and see what happens."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here