DREAM COME TRUE
Millwall midfielder Shaun Williams reflects on his Irish breakthrough
SHAUN Williams is proof positive that age is just a number.
The Millwall midfielder made his first start for the Republic of Ireland against Poland in midweek, little more than a month before his 32nd birthday.
He had already grabbed a first international goal a few days earlier off the bench against Wales.
With the first generation of footballers born in the noughties beginning to make headway in the game, Williams – who made his international debut against France back in May – is from an altogether different school.
But having had to wait so long for his moment in the spotlight, the Dubliner was just as jubilant as a man half his age.
“It’s a dream come true to score for my country and make my first start as well – it’s been a memorable week,” he said.
“I’m just relishing the moment and trying to do as much as I can to stay involved.
“You’ve got to prove people wrong every week. Every game that I play, I play to the best of my ability, no matter the circumstance – friendly, cup final, playoff final. I always give my all and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to start in a competitive game.
Opportunity
“As long as you’re playing, you’re always wanting international selection. Obviously, age is a factor as well but luckily enough I’m on form and got the opportunity to play.”
Williams is indeed on form – Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill discussed oversights from previous regimes that prevented the midfielder becoming an international mainstay earlier in his career.
Now into his fifth full season in south London – a stint that includes League One promotion in 2017 and a Championship play-off push, albeit one that fell just short, last season – Williams credits his recent call-up to his regular battles in the Lions’ Den.
“The pressures of playing at Millwall in terms of expectation from the fans and standards that we set o u r selves, there’s a lot of people who haven’t been able to do it,” he said.
“People that have played in the past, like Tim Cahill, who went on to have good careers said that if you can make it at Millwall it will help you elsewhere, which has stuck with me.”
Eire’s results during the international break – a 4-1 loss to Wales and a 1-1 draw with Poland – were overshadowed by WhatsApp recordings of alleged foul-mouthed rants by assistant manager Roy Keane at midfielder Harry Arter and striker Jon Walters.
Praise
But Williams has nothing but praise for the former Manchester United man. “Roy Keane’s career speaks for itself, so it was great to be able to pick his brains and learn new things,” he added. “You’re learning from one of the best – it’s only going to stand you in good stead, so I really enjoyed it.” As for Williams’ club manager, Neil Harris is now three years into the permanent job at The Den and has overseen a rise from League One that almost culminated in a Championship play-off place last term. Millwall’s start to this campaign has been mixed – they’re into the Carabao Cup third round, yet had just one league win ahead of the weekend – but Williams has urged everyone to get behind Harris. “I’d never say a bad word about our manager, he’s a fantastic manager – as proven over the last three years,” said the Irishman. “As a person as well, he’s up there with the best. “There has been a learning curve this season with some of our results. Maybe the expectation is a lot higher due to the season that we had last year. “We’re under no illusion that it’s going to be a difficult season and one where we’re all looking to prove people wrong again.”