Better late than never for Chester

VILLA’S James Chester has revealed how late nights in China prepared Wales players for club duty this weekend.

There was an eight-hour time difference between China and the UK when the Wales squad journeyed 7,000 miles to compete at the four-team China Cup tournament in Nanning.

But the Wales players kept just a four-hour time difference all week, with the intention to remain as fresh as possible for this weekend’s games.

“It’s been a bit strange staying up till half three, four in the morning, and having your breakfast at one,” Villa defender Chester said.

“But it was for that reason, to make sure when we get home it’s not as difficult to get back to normal life.

“It was a very long time ago when I last stayed up that late, and it certainly won’t be a regular thing.

“It has been strange but it will make it a lot easier getting back – and some of us have got massive games coming up.”

Villa head to Chester’s former club Hull on Saturday trying to maintain their Championship promotion push.

Ryan Giggs’ Welsh squad returned home on Tuesday after losing 1-0 to Uruguay in the China Cup final. Paris St Germain striker Edinson Cavani scored the winner and was named player of the tournament. And Uruguay could be one of the dark horses at this summer’s World Cup if Cavani and Luis Suarez continue to fire up front.

“They are probably one of the best you’re going to come up against,” Chester said.

“If you qualify for top tournaments that’s the standard, they are top quality.

“We’ve done a lot of work in a short space of time, but it’s one of the best attacks you’re going to face in world football.

“From the moment I started playing international football, it was for that reason.

“Hopefully there is more of that to come.”