March 26 2013

Jon Williams

Crystal Palace starlet Jon Williams was happy with his first start for Wales.

Williams came off the bench for his international debut against Scotland last week and his impressive display in that win earned him a place from the beginning against Croatia.

Although the Welsh lost 2-1 in their 2014 World Cup qualifying match at the Liberty Stadium, Williams was chuffed to get a chance to feature with top Premier League stars.

"It was an unbelievable experience to play alongside the likes of Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy," Williams said.

"I really enjoyed my full senior debut - I've come a long way - but it's just a shame about the result in the end.

"I think three points in two games is not bad. Not many people expected us to beat Croatia but we came close and gave them a good game. It shows we're coming through as a team and improving every game.

"It was a hard night. I thought we played really well first half. It's a shame we couldn't take that into the second half.

"When you're playing against the likes of Luka Modric, they're going to be good, they're going to keep possession and they came onto to us in the second half. We had to put the work in but you can't fault the lads' effort."

Wales manager and former Crystal Palace defender Chris Coleman has tipped Williams for a bright a future.

He said: "Jonnie Williams is 19 and he had done a great job for Palace. I know Ian Holloway likes him a lot and I have watched him and studied him a lot.

"I had no qualms about putting him on [against Scotland] and I knew he'd be able to handle the situation.

"I just thought he really took the game to Scotland, he kept making those teasing runs through the middle and taking out two or three players and a little slip pass here or there. For the second goal, he slid Andy King into the box and he is that type of player.

"He is a pleasure to have because he is so enthusiastic and he is enjoying it so much and that just rubs off on everybody."