Mike out to take his chance

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

18 October 2007

MIKE WILLIAMS today revealed how he is ready to stake a claim for first team football.

Defender Williams made 36 appearances for Wrexham last season but has so far endured a frustrating start to the campaign with injuries and a lack of first team football.

Williams, who is equally comfortable in the centre of defence or at left back, has only made on substitute appearance this season when he came on as a substitute in the 3-2 defeat against Macclesfield.

"The season hasn't really started for me yet because I haven't been playing. I played a lot of games last year but this year I haven't really found myself in the first team," said Williams.

"I was out for three weeks with a back injury but I came on as a sub last Saturday and now I hope I can kick on with Wrexham and start playing first team games.

"I have got over 50 appearance for Wrexham under my belt now and I am looking to add to that and keep pushing on with Wrexham and when the Wales games come along I want to do well for them too.

"But it's up to the gaffer if he wants to put me into the team, but like last year if the time comes along where I am going to be playing I will put 100 per cent into it and try and do well for Wrexham.

"It was a kick in the teeth last weekend against Macclesfield because three points would have been so important to make it three wins out of four. But now we have got to look past that and look towards Saturday's game against Barnet.

"If I am playing, I'm playing and I will do my best, and if I'm not I will I will keep on working my hardest to try and get into the team."

Williams was in action for Wales under 21s last night against Malta at the Racecourse.

Wales won the match 3-1 to claim their first points in their European Championship qualifying group, with Williams scoring the opening goal with a spectacular half volley – his second strike for Wales.

"I scored a goal like that against Cyprus a couple of years ago – I am the half volley scorer in this team – it's nice because as a centre half they usually end up in the stand," joked Williams.

"We fully deserved the win but I think we could cut out the little errors and if we can do that I think we can do well.

"We now have a double header against France and Bosnia and Herzegovina in November and winning our home games will be vital if we are to stand a chance of qualifying."