October 3 2011

Jon Williams

Crystal Palace wonderkid Jon Williams has been called up to the full Wales squad for the first time.

The midfield ace has been rewarded for a brilliant start to his professional career, impressing for the Eagles with a goal and three assists this season.

The 17-year-old has already turned out for the Wales U21 side and became the second youngest player to do so.

But with injuries in Gary Speed's senior squad, Williams has been selected for matches against Switzerland at home on Friday and Bulgaria next Tuesday.

"It is fantastic for him and we are very proud," said Palace boss Dougie Freedman.

"It was a surprise to us all as he is still a young player and he has only played a couple of games for us.

"But he has been around the Welsh system and in the U21s for some years and they know of him and, like us, are not afraid to pick him.

"It's a good experience for a young player to be around players of an international level and I hope he will be a big player for them for years to come.

"He has got terrific potential to do it if keeps on working hard. He comes from a good family and a good background and is very level headed."

Palace warded off the Premier League vultures by tying Williams down to a a three-and-a-half year contract last month.