New Swansea signing Ashley Williams believes his Swansea move will help his Wales chances

Williams - who has one cap to date - made the permanent switch to the Liberty Stadium last week following his loan spell at the end of last season that culminated with the Swans being crowned League One Champions.    And his arrival - for a club record fee - means extra pressure but that is not at the forefront of the defender's mind as he enjoys life in Swansea.

“I hope this move will help me with Wales,” he told the Western Mail. “I know John Toshack will be watching me more often now I am at Swansea.

“When I was at Stockport, I think he only watched me once in two years. He has already seen me twice in five games for Swansea.

“Hopefully, as long as I’m playing well, I will keep getting in the Wales squads. And it certainly helps that I will now be in the Championship.

“Playing at that level week in, week out, will keep me on top of my game. It will keep me sharp and that wasn’t always the case with Stockport in League Two.

“I remember when I got my first call-up I played Macclesfield at the weekend and was suddenly training with Jason Koumas and Simon Davies on the Monday. It took me a while to get used to, but that won’t be the case anymore.”

He continued: “Playing in the Championship will be unbelievable. Every time I think about it, I just get more excited.

“Every club is massive, every ground is massive and we will be testing ourselves against some top players. But we have a good enough team to compete and do well there.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge. Especially for the defence because most teams’ best players will be their strikers.

“It’s going to be a test I enjoy, though. I’m going to be ready for it and I’m sure it will make me a better player.

“Roberto didn’t have to say much to convince me to come here. From what people had said to me, I knew he was a manager I wanted to work with.

“He knows the game inside out and he makes sure we are all equipped for the challenges that await us. That will be important for the players next season.

“The main thing for me was that the deal was sorted out early on in the summer. I wanted to go to Swansea, they wanted me, so there was no point wasting any time.”

“I suppose the fee does create a bit of added pressure. But I put enough pressure on myself anyway.

“I know people will think it’s a lot for a defender, but that’s just the way the deal came about. It’s not that much more than the last record anyway so I’m not expecting it to be a big thing.”

Photo: Action Images

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