Ashley Williams left unimpressed after playing just 45 minutes for Wales against Holland

Ashley Williams was left unimpressed after playing just 45 minutes for Wales against Holland

ASHLEY WILLIAMS was left unimpressed after playing just 45 minutes of Wales' friendly against Holland in order to keep him fresh for club duty.

 

Swans boss Garry Monk had made clear he did not want skipper Williams and Neil Taylor to play the full 90 minutes of the Cardiff City Stadium clash with several crucial Premier League fixtures on the horizon.

Wales manager Chris Coleman forcefully pointed out he did not see players coming away on international duty as a time for a rest, but elected to keep the peace by withdrawing Williams at half-time and Taylor after the break.

"I am not sure what the plan was but the gaffer told me before the game I would be playing 45 minutes. I looked at him and saw it wasn't up for negotiation and accepted it," said Williams.

"It is what it is, it was a friendly game but I am always going to come and represent my country. I do what I am told and on this occasion I was told I am coming off at half-time.

 

Swansea boss Garry Monk insisted that he didn't want Williams or Neil Taylor to play the full 90mins

"I don't know if it will do me good, we will see, hopefully."

Monk had also described the friendlies held during the November window as "pointless" given how far they are being held ahead of the Euro 2016 finals. But Williams believes such fixtures have a big part to play.

He said: "It is definitely important, why wouldn't it be?

"We have just played against a good team and we all got together again, we enjoyed each other's company and learned a little bit more about the squad. You ask guys like Tom Lawrence if they thought it was meaningless."