It's all for Wales - Williams

13 November 2009 17:06
The animosity between Cardiff and Swansea fans is a constant element in south Wales football.[LNB]And for a Swansea man to skipper Wales in Cardiff's new stadium opens up the possibility his big day could be ruined by terrace abuse.[LNB]However, defender Williams - Wales' new footballer of the year - hopes support for the national cause will outweigh local rivalries.[LNB]Unfortunately, Williams' rise to national captain comes at the end of a week that saw Swansea beat their bitter local rivals in a Championship derby, with Williams making some critical remarks about the Bluebirds' style of play.[LNB]But he says: "This is a Wales game, it is not a Swansea or Cardiff game and we are playing at Cardiff which I hope will become our 'home' ground in the future.[LNB]"I just want the crowd to get behind the boys and help us to a win. We all play for different teams, the banter is good but we are playing for Wales and that is all that matters.[LNB]"This will be the biggest game of my career so far, even if it only a friendly. It is against a home nation and that makes it special."[LNB]He added: "I have not even thought about the fact that I'm a Swansea player captaining Wales in Cardiff. It is not an issue, we are all playing for Wales, that is all that matters.[LNB]"Whoever the captain is should not be an issue really. I know I was born in England, but my mum and her family are all Welsh and I feel Welsh.[LNB]"I am living in Wales now and that gives you the chance to really get a feel for it and understand what the fans want.[LNB]"I am learning the anthem and trying to sing it every time, I hope that shows my commitment and how seriously I am taking all this."[LNB]Boss John Toshack, a man who played for both clubs, gives short shrift to the Cardiff-Swansea debate.[LNB]He said: "It doesn't matter whether we were playing in Swansea, Glasgow or anywhere, at this moment I believe Ashley is the man to be captain.[LNB]"Ashley is the right choice, and it is nothing to do with where we are playing. It is something I have not even thought about.[LNB]"We have had to select a third captain in three games because of injuries, and the form he is in makes it the right decision.[LNB]"He is on top of his game, he has had a good week. He won the derby against Cardiff, he picked up our footballer of the year award in midweek and now he has got the captaincy of Wales.[LNB]"We hope it goes well for him. I don't think Joe Ledley will have a problem with this, despite him having been skipper himself recently and this will be his home ground.[LNB]"It's a bit late to change the venue now because there's a Swansea man I want as skipper!"[LNB][LNB] Wales v Scotland. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk