Wales captain Ashley Williams keen to carry on playing for country
Thursday 9 November 2017 18:09, UK
Wales captain Ashley Williams remains committed to international football, despite admitting it was “devastating” to miss out on World Cup qualification.
The 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium in October ended their hopes of playing in next summer's tournament in Russia.
But Everton defender Williams, who turned 33 in August, has vowed to play on for his country for as long as he is enjoying doing so.
"It was devastating to go out of the World Cup," said Williams, who is set to win his 76th cap against France in Friday's friendly in Paris.
"But 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 that [Republic] defeat was to take, I'm here now and I can't wait to be involved. As long as it stays like that I can't see anything changing anytime soon."
Williams is also hoping manager Chris Coleman will commit his long-term future to Wales.
Coleman led his country to last year's European Championship, the first time they had qualified for a major tournament since they played at the 1958 World Cup.
But after failing to make it to next year's World Cup in Russia, Coleman has refused to confirm if he will be staying in the post beyond Friday's game against France and Tuesday's meeting with Panama in Cardiff.
"It's clear the way the players feel about him and the fans as well," Williams said of Coleman.
"We enjoy working with him and the majority of our success is down to what he does and if it was down to us, he would stay for as long as possible.
"That's not how football works sometimes, you have to do what's best. We enjoy the camps, give our all for him and you see that coming out in the games."
