Wales defender James Chester relieved to make Euro 2016 squad
Thursday 2 June 2016 14:08, UK
Wales defender James Chester has expressed his relief at breaking into the West Brom side after the turn of the year as he feared missing Euro 2016.
Chester became the most expensive defender in West Brom's history last summer when he joined the Baggies in an £8m deal from Hull.
But the 27-year-old started just one Premier League game before Christmas and feared that his part in the European Qualifiers would count for nothing if he could not force his way into Tony Pulis' team.
Wales manager Chris Coleman had expressed his concern over Chester's lack of game-time at the Hawthorns, but he made 14 appearances after the turn of the year, albeit mostly in an unfamiliar right-back role.
"It's been quite frustrating on a personal level at my club," said Chester.
"I've only played once at centre-half all season, which is frustrating because I feel I am good enough to play there week in week out in the Premier League.
"But the timing has been quite nice. With the Euros coming up it was important to get some game-time regardless of where that was.
"That was my fear. I'd played an important part in qualifying so I was always confident of making the 23.
"But I knew if I wasn't playing for my club it would be really difficult for the gaffer (Coleman) to pick me going into a major tournament. So it was nice to get the games I did."
Chester played an influential role in Wales ending their 58-year wait for a major tournament as he struck up a commanding central defensive partnership with skipper Ashley Williams and Ben Davies when the system was altered.
Only England, Spain and Romania conceded fewer goals in their qualifying campaigns as the Wales defence was breached just four times in 10 matches.
"My partnership with Ash (Williams) has blossomed quite well since I joined up," said Chester.
"We complement each other quite well, and when we've played in a three with Ben, that's gone well too. It's an environment we feel comfortable in and me and Ash have got a good relationship. We understand each other on the pitch and we get on really well off it."
