Zenit fans abroad: Ryan O'Callaghan from Port Talbot, Wales

This week we've got a special Euro 2016 Zenit fan abroad ahead of tomorrow's big game between Russia and Wales. Ryan is a Zenit fan from West Glamorgan, Wales he told us how he found the blue-white-sky blues, his prediction for tomorrow night in Toulouse and who'll be in the final of Euro 2016.

Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do? What are you hobbies? 

I'm born in Wales and have lived here all my life. I work in insurance. My hobbies include football (of course), cars and graphic design.

Tomorrow night it's the big game in Euro 2016, What’s your prediction for Russia v Wales?

I think it will be a tight game with Russia going for the win and I think Wales will be happy to see out a draw for one point. I will say 1-1, which should put Wales through. 

Wales beat Slovakia and were unlucky against Engand, which Welsh players should Russia look out for?

Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and Joe Allen are all key players and will be vital for Wales on Monday. Gareth Bale I'm sure you all know about but teamwork is our sides strength!

In the unlikely event both sides go through, how far do you think Russia and Wales can go in the tournament?

If both teams qualified it would be great but at the moment it's really impossible to say, a decent draw in the next round is possible so the quaters isn't unrealistic. It's a huge game for both teams, but good luck to Russia, although I can see a German and French final.

Ok now about Zenit, How did you first get interested in the blue-white-sky blues?

I first heard of Zenit when Andrey Arshavin signed for Arsenal. I was curious about where he came from and my interest sparked from there.

What’s the first match you remember watching?

The first match I saw was on my birthday in 2009. Zenit beat Stuttgart 2-1 with Fayzulin scoring the winner!

Who’s your all-time favourite Zenit player? Who do you like in the current squad and why? 

Without a doubt Andrey Arshavin. He had an elegance to his game, he made football look easy and had bags of quality. In the current squad I really like Shatov and Hulk.

What’s your best Zenit memory? 

Sealing the Premier League in 2010! When we beat Rostov 5-0 to secure the title with 2 games to go.

What are you hoping for us next season? 

I'd like to see a good run in the Europa League and for us to qualify for the Champions League again. Of course I hope we will win the domestic league and with Lucescu as manager I think we must be favourites.

Which areas of the squad would you like to see Zenit strengthen in? Who realistically should we be looking at signing? 

I'd like to see us go in for some defensive-minded players. Particularly wing backs. Roberto Pereyra would be an interesting signing to strengthen in the middle also.

You live in Port Talbot. How would you describe this city for your fellow fans? What’s the local football like? 

I love my town, we have a beach within walking distance, it's special. It's an industrial town with plenty of great scenery. The local football is of low quality, which is a shame but we are not very far from the Premier League side Swansea City.

If Zenit fans plan to visit your part of the world what place is a must-see and what food should they try? 

Faggot, peas and chips is a Welsh classic and top them off with Welsh cakes for desert! (ed. see Faggot if you've no idea what this is!) 

Do you have a message for the manager, The team and all the Zenit fans out there? 

Let's have a strong pre-season and start the new season with a bang. Good luck to us all!

You can follow Ryan on Twiiter at @RyanLOCallaghan