Williams can kick on for Wales, says Bodin

PAUL Bodin believes Neco Williams’ performance on his senior debut for Liverpool against Arsenal will have surprised many of those behind the scenes at Anfield.

The young Welshman was handed his first-team bow by Jurgen Klopp in the Reds’ Carabao Cup clash with the Gunners in October, a contest the hosts won on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 draw in regular time.

Williams earned rave reviews after impressing on his first outing for the senior side.

And Bodin admits there has been a real clamour for the Wrexhamborn right-back to be included in his under-21s squad for their upcoming Euro qualifier with Bosnia & Herzegovina in Wrexham, although he resisted the temptation to move him up from the under-19s.

“Neco made his debut for Liverpool and did fantastically well,” said Bodin.

“There’s a bit of a clamour for him to move up quickly, but we’re going to keep him in the under-19s.

“We’ve got some important qualifiers coming up and he’s very much part of that squad. We’ve got (Cameron) Coxey who has done really well for us and Aaron Lewis who is playing intermittently at Lincoln.

“There were thoughts about it, we discussed it, but we think he’s been very much part of the under-19s. If he keeps progressing at Liverpool that will also have a bearing.

“Neco’s a fantastic lad. He’s been in the system for six years, he was 12 years of age I think when he first came in.

“Two months ago he couldn’t get into the under-23s. That’s what football’s like. There’s a lad called Ki-Jana

However, he was away with the Dutch team in Brazil so that opened up a little door.

“When that door opens sometimes players aren’t ready for that, but Neco obviously proved he was more than ready and I’m sure he surprised a few at the club.

“He’s a very talented player but he’s still young. Taking the opportunity like he did has been fantastic for him. He’s had a lot of positive feedback in the press and I’m sure the club are delighted with his progress.”

Williams will hope to feature for Wales Under-19s over the course of the international break, with Rob Edwards’ side playing three Euro U19 qualifying round fixtures in South Wales.

All Cymru U19 matches in the qualifying round are free to attend, with ticketless entry on the gate at both Rodney Parade, Newport and Leckwith Stadium, Cardiff. WALES UNDER-19S FIXTURES Wales U19s v Poland U19s (today) - 1pm at Rodney Parade Russia U19s v Wales U19s (November 16) - 1pm at Leckwith Stadium

Kosovo U19s v Wales U19s (November 19) - 1pm at Rodney Parade