Williams Makes Wales Squad

Last updated : 10 March 2003 By Rob Cooper
The 30-year-old centre-back, who has recently been suffering from an injury, is in Mark Hughes' 27-man squad for the forthcoming Euro 2004 Qualifiers.

The call up is something of a shock considering that Adie wasn't even in the squad for Wales' last game, a friendly against Bosnia.

Six more points for Mark Hughes' side would be a fantastic coup as the Welsh are already sitting top of their group, above the highly-fancied Yugoslavia and Italy.

Upon naming his squad boss Hughes proclaimed: "We must keep our noses in front and hope that eventually other countries run out of games to catch us."

The Welsh are seeking to qualify for their first major tournament since 1958.

Hughes has included Rhys Weston, Danny Gabbidon and Andy Johnson who are all suffering with injuries so there could well be some withdrawals before the Welsh take to the field in nineteen days time.

Adie Williams has put in some sterling performances in the Reading backline this season, leading to him receiving an international recall earlier in the season. However, the former Wolves man did not feature against Azerbaijan so is yet to win his thirteenth cap.

Adie admitted that he is hopeful he will get on the field this time around.

"It's the early stages for me with this call-up but if anything happens and I am involved it will be very nice. So fingers crossed," said Williams, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.