Teenage star Williams is indebted to Freedman

THE latest bright young thing to roll off the Welsh production line would dearly love to make his senior debut at Hampden on Friday. And, if he does, he will spare a thought for the Scot who made it all possible. Crystal Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams could be the next to follow the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale into stardom in the English top flight. Manchester City are among the clubs paying very close attention to the slightly-built 19-year-old after his recovery from a broken leg earlier this season. Wherever his career goes, however, he will not forget the influence of former Palace boss Dougie Freedman, who switched to Bolton earlier this season. The Glaswegian handed Williams first-team football aged 17 and played a key role in developing the player’s burgeoning talent. ‘Dougie was a massive influence on me, I can’t thank him enough for the opportunities he gave me at Palace,’ said Williams. ‘He started my career, really. He was the one who believed in me and gave me my chance. ‘When I was 17 he showed faith in me to take me away for pre-season with the squad. And I’ll always remember my debut — it was against Coventry at home and it was just a great night for me. ‘I was gutted when he left.’ Williams admits he has to pinch himself to believe the players he is now rubbing shoulders with — and the challenge that lies ahead. He is also eligible to play for England having been born in Kent, but insists Wales were his only choice. ‘It’s funny how things change,’ he added. ‘A couple of years ago I would never have thought I would be in this position with the Welsh senior team. ‘It’s great. Just the chance to train with guys like Bale and (Craig) Bellamy and Ramsey makes it all worthwhile.’