Ashley Williams: If we play our best game then we can get a result

Wales captain Ashley Williams cut a relaxed and unfazed character on the eve of his side’s crucial Group D clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, reiterating his manager’s view that the players are not focussed entirely on the game’s result, but on putting on a performance on Friday night.

 

Manager Chris Coleman has played down the significance of the World Cup qualifier, despite his side trailing Ireland by four points following just one win and three draws in their opening four games, dismissing the view that it is a must-win match for his side.

 

Speaking at the team’s pre-match press conference on Thursday evening in the Aviva Stadium, his captain Williams said the side had learned from previous mistakes which has seen the country fail to build upon its successful Euro 2016 campaign which saw the side knocked out in the tournemant’s semi-finals to eventual winners Portugal last summer.

 

“We've learned from all of our different experiences: winning and losing. We can draw experience from all of our games”, said the Welsh captain.

 

"Ireland are top of the group and they've had a better campaign than us so far. But we feel that if we play our best game that we can get a result.

 



“We've worked hard all week, we are very focussed and everyone is looking forward to a good game.

 

"We need to stick to what we want to do. (If we) stick together for the whole 90 minutes, perform consistently throughout, we will be alright.”

 

Questioned about his relationship with Everton team-mate and Ireland captain Seamus Coleman, the 32-year-old defender admitted the pair had agreed not to speak in the week leading up to the game.

 



He said: “No, we haven't spoken. We agreed that we wouldn't speak in the week leading up to the game.

 

“We have become good friends and he is a competitor like I am. I'm sure he is fully focussed as I am, and I will speak to him when he go back (to Everton) next week.

 

"He is a very good player and one of the best I've played with; very quick for a defender. He can defend very well but he is also one of the most attacking defenders I've ever seen. He is someone we will have to keep an eye on.”

 

Manager Coleman responded to questions raised of his side’s ability to play beyond the qualities of star man Gareth Bale by emphasizing the depth in quality of his entire squad, and not just the Real Madrid attacker.

 

“For the record, we had two players in the team of the tournament (at Euro 2016). One was Aaron Ramsey and the other was Joe Allen. We’ve got good players throughout.

 

“Whatever Ireland have got planned for Gareth, it won’t be anything new that’s for sure,” said Coleman.

 

“Think about where he plays and the level of football he is playing. There is nothing that is going to come tomorrow that he won’t be ready for.”

 

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill today confirmed that midfielder James McCarthy could feature in Friday night’s game despite concerns surrounding a hamstring strain.

 

“He is improving very quickly which is good news and we will see how he is in the afternoon and hopefully he feels ok.

 

“James is in general a very fit lad and ok, he hasn’t played for two and a half weeks, but this shouldn’t be a factor,” said O’Neill.

 

Ireland will, however, be without the services of Robbie Brady (suspended), Wes Holohan, defenders Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clark, as well as Harry Arter and Daryl Murphy all through injury.

 

For the first time since their Euro 2016 quarter-final victory against Belgium last summer, Wales have a full squad to choose from heading into Friday night’s game.

 

Manager Coleman said his side had a plan of action to combat Ireland’s strengths which has seen O’Neill’s side win three and draw one from their opening four games this qualifying campaign.

 

“Ireland aren’t top of the group for nothing”, Coleman said.

 

“We are in their backyard trying to make sure we go home with something.”

 

For more from Chris Coleman, see Macdara Ferris' article here:

 

    About Aaron Gallagher

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