March 23 2013

Jon Williams

Crystal Palace whizz-kid Jon Williams helped Wales come from behind to beat Scotland on his international debut.

Williams replaced Tottenham star Gareth Bale for the second half with his side 1-0 down at Hampden Park.

And the 19-year-old impressed many observers, playing a part in one of the goals as Chris Coleman's side netted twice to secure a vital World Cup qualifying victory.

Coleman said: "Gareth Bale is ok, he had a bang to his ankle during the week but he is ok.

"Jonathan Williams came on and played with some great confidence in this atmosphere for a 19-year-old.

"If we had lost, maybe questions would have been asked of me again. We have won, we needed to get six points from these games against Scotland and it was a very good performance."

Williams was born in Kent but is eligible for Wales due to his Anglesey-born father and is grateful to country for supporting him at junior levels.

"Gary Speed called me into the senior squad for the game in Bulgaria in October 2011," he said. "Just to train with some of the players like Gareth Bale was amazing and the lads were first class with me.

"It was my 18th birthday and the rest of the squad chipped in and bought me an iPad, but I had to stand up and sing Happy Birthday to myself in English and Welsh. It’s something I’ll always remember. Things like that have made me feel really part of things here."

A month after his introduction to the senior squad, he broke his leg while featuring for the under-21s in Armenia and was missed for club and country for four months.

He said: "It wasn’t the best of pitches; there was gravel where there could have been sand, it was snowing and we drew 0-0 so it was a night to forget all round. But I’ve learned from it and come back stronger. I’ve learned from it in a way, which may sound silly.

"But one of the things I thought about after the injury was Aaron Ramsey, who had such a bad injury. He sent me a really nice text, which was really unexpected, which had some great advice at a tough time. I saved it and spoke to him when I was coming back and it was great to have someone like that around to look up to."

Williams added: "People mention England, but I’ve not heard anything and I haven’t given it a second thought because it was Wales who gave me my chance and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

"I’ve been part of the set-up for a long time, from the under-16s, and I think I’ve played about 40 times for different age teams. It’s been a long journey but a great one.

"I was born in England, but Wales chose me and I chose to play for them and have loved every minute."

Coleman has urged Williams to stay at Palace and not become a flop like Scott Sinclair at Manchester City.

The boss said: "I hope he doesn’t move from Crystal Palace. He's doing well and has a good manager in Ian Holloway who plays great football and that suits Jonny's style. The big threat when you join a big club is you get lost. Look at Scott Sinclair. He is the prime example."