New Inverness keeper Williams says Wales call-up fits like a glove
OWAIN Fon Williams is hoping his move to Inverness Caledonian Thistle will help him win a place alongside Gareth Bale in the Welsh side for the Euro 2016 finals in France.
Williams, who was released by Tranmere Rovers in the summer after the Prenton Park club were relegated from the Football League, made his debut for the Highland club on Thursday night.
He played as Inverness lost 1-0 to Astra Giurgiu of Romania on their European debut in the first leg of a Europa League second qualifying round tie at the Caledonian Stadium.
The 28-year-old has been involved with his national squad on several occasions in the past, including in a qualifier against Belgium this year, without ever being capped.
Yet Williams is optimistic his involvement with John Hughes’s side will enable him to force his way into Chris Coleman’s plans.
Wales are currently on top of Group B after winning four and drawing two of their six qualifiers and have an excellent chance to make the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the World Cup in 1958.
Asked if his move could help him retain his place in the national squad and force his way into the starting line-up, he said: “One hundred per cent. That’s why I’m here.
“I’m here to improve myself, the team, everyone around me. This football club’s on the up. It’s a fantastic place to be, a fantastic place to be working day in, day out.
“Obviously the bonus is if I am selected for Wales.”
Williams compared the atmosphere at Inverness, who finished third in the Ladbrokes Premiership last season and won the Scottish Cup, to that in the Wales squad at the moment.
“Gareth Bale’s a ridiculous individual to be honest with you,” he said. “He’s on a different planet. But I think it’s a team thing with Wales.
“When I was going with my national team there was great organisation and togetherness. Everyone was included with the lads. The staff all got involved. “I’ve come here and it’s the same.” Williams and his new teammates face an uphill task progressing to the next round of the Europa League after slumping to a narrow home defeat to Astra on Thursday night.
The Inverness keeper was unable to keep out a free-kick by Constantin Budescu in the 24th minute.
But Caledonian Thistle pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half and are hopeful they can get an away goal in Romania and haul their way back into the tournament.
Williams said: “We’re still in it, we still need to go there and do our thing and hopefully come away with something.”
Hughes sprang a surprise by selecting Williams, who trained with Inverness for the first time on Monday, ahead of the experienced Ryan Esson against Astra.
The keeper’s positioning at the goal left something to be desired, but he is hopeful he can establish himself in the Inverness side and justify his signing.
He said: “I came here to play football.
“Whether there was a game straight away or not so be it, I’m ready for it.”