Bards defender in Wales squad for key match

STRATFORD Town defender Alex Williams will be flying the flag for Wales tomorrow (Friday), hoping to help the u21s secure a place in next summer’s European Championships.

The 19-year-old, on loan at the Bards from West Bromwich Albion, is in the squad for the game with Czechia at Newport County’s Rodney Parade ground and then for a friendly in Slovakia four days later.

“We have four days training leading up to the game and then a break before we fly to Bratislava,” he explained. “Hopefully there will be a decent turnout for the game at Newport because Wales have never qualified before at u21s level so it is a good opportunity to make history and we are all excited.”

Williams has impressed in his short time with the Bards and the Leamington-born defender admits he is relishing playing non-league football.

“I’m really enjoying being at the club,” he added. “I’ve been here for a couple of weeks but I’ve already learnt a lot. It is completely different to playing for the u21s when you don’t get anything like the physicality of the game. It is a big learning curve. I still train with West Brom when Stratford aren’t training so I’m playing football every day.

“It is a different challenge again playing international football when you come up against different styles of play. Having these three things is a great combo for me and there aren’t too many players who get the chance to play three very different types of football.”

Williams’ initial loan was for a month but Bards boss Gavin Hurren would like to see him back when he returns from international duty.

He said: “It is unbelievable for the lad to go away and get experience with the Wales u21s and it is great for us as a football club having him at Stratford Town on loan. Hopefully we will get him back when he returns.”