By Tom Prosser
Wales defender Neco Williams says he can’t wait to join up with Wales later this month after it has now been confirmed that their World Cup play-off semi-final against Austria will go ahead as planned.
If Wales make it through to the final, it is now targeted to take place in early June and that could prove to be a big advantage for Rob Page’s men.
Wales would have around two and a half months to prepare for the crucial fixture whilst Scotland or Ukraine would only have a small number of days to rest and travel to either Cardiff or Vienna after their semi-final.
There is also a chance that the fixture between Scotland and Ukraine could go to extra-time and penalties so Wales or Austria could be going into the game physically fresher than their opponents.
“We’re all looking forward to that game,” said Williams, who scored two goals for Fulham against Swansea on Tuesday evening.
“The lads are buzzing that it’s still on. We’re all looking forward to that game; all looking forward to both games because we’ve got a very good chance of qualifying.
“Obviously with the circumstances that have gone on with the Ukraine and Scotland game, there’s nothing that anyone can do and we’ve just got to keep that on hold and try and get the Austria game out of the way first.
“And hopefully if we win that, then we’ve got a massive game to look forward to whenever it’s going to get played, whether it’s in June or whenever it is.”
STUNNING VOLLEY! 💥
Neco Williams sealed Fulham’s 5-1 victory over Swansea with a SUPERB volley from just outside the box 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RfscwrKqov
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 8, 2022
Prior to joining Fulham on loan from Liverpool in January, Williams unusually had more international games under his belt than league appearances.
The 20-year-old revealed that Rob Page thinks his switch to West London can only be a good thing for both himself and Wales.
“When I signed for Fulham, he gave me a message and said he he’s happy for me I was going to get the game time,” added Williams.
“The main thing when I came to Fulham was to get the game time, to try and play week in, week out and as many minutes as possible.
Wales vs Swansea:🏴
Neco Williams🔥 (MOTM)
⚽️2 goals
🔑1 key pass
🎯91% successful pass rate
💢93 touches
🔟8.8 rating, per @FotMobHarry Wilson🎯
⚽️2 assists
🎯96% successful pass rate
💢63 touches
🔟8.5 rating, per @FotMobWhat a night in Wales🤩🏴 #TogetherStronger #FFC pic.twitter.com/dF0RCADSka
— Harri Burton (@Harri_Burton) March 8, 2022
“At the minute I’m just loving it because I’m playing – any footballer just wants to play football. That’s the main thing and I’m enjoying it so much.
“I’m looking forward to joining up with the Wales lads again, seeing them and playing for them again.
“Austria’s the big game now, that’s the one to look forward to for Wales and we just need to get that out of the way and hopefully win that.”