Ashley shows his staying power
ASHLEY WILLIAMS insists he has no plans to quit international football, despite his World Cup nightmare.
The Everton defender was at fault as James McClean scored to seal a play-off place for Republic of Ireland at Wales’ expense last month.
But the captain, 33, is determined to put it behind him and lead Wales to another major tournament.
He said: “It was devastating but I think, as I sit here, I’m enjoying the camp and as long as it stays like that I’m willing to give my services.
“As hard as it was to take, I’m here now and I can’t wait to be involved and as long as it stays like that I can’t see anything changing any time soon.”
Williams will lead an experienced Wales team against France in Paris tonight, in what could be one of Chris Coleman’s final games in charge. The Dragons boss will have talks with the FAW after the friendly clash with World Cup debutants Panama on Tuesday.
Williams is desperate for Coleman to stay put.
“I think it is very important Chris stays,” said Williams.
“It’s clear the way the players and fans feel about him. The majority of our success is down to what he does. We’d like to work with him forever really.”
Coleman revealed he struggled to leave his house for a week after the Ireland defeat – Wales’ only loss in the whole campaign.
“To be honest, for a week or 10 days I didn’t really leave or stray too far from my house,” said Coleman.
“I still haven’t watched it and I watch every game we play to analyse it, double analyse it, watch it 10 times, but not that one.”