IT'S only natural that every now and again Jonny Williams thinks back to his days playing for Wales when there is an international break.
After all, the Kent-born 30-year-old enjoyed some of the best days of his career playing for the Dragons, not least representing the country of his father Peter's birth at Euro 2016.
That was the first time Wales had played in a major tournament for 58 years, but it was worth the lengthy wait as Chris Coleman's men enjoyed a magical run to the semi-finals.
Wil"It was without doubt the proudest moment of my career playing in the European.
Championship," said liams, who is now bidding to help Gillingham climb out of League Two. "Reaching the semi-finals was beyond all our wildest dreams.
"We were delighted to qualify for the tournament and when we won our first game (Williams started in the 2-1 win against Slovakia), we thought we might have a chance to get out of the group.
"It was a fantastic group of players put together by a great manager on the back of what (the late) Gary Speed had been creating. I'm sure he would have been so proud. We produced some amazing moments and it was great to be a part of." Three years earlier, Williams had made his international bow as a 19-year-old, coming on for Wales great Gareth Bale at half-time in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland at V Hampden Park.
It turned out to be a dream debut as Williams played his part in helping the Dragons turn around a 1-0 half-time deficit to win 2-1 with goals from Aaron Ramsey and Hal Robson-Kanu.
"When I was told I was coming on for Gareth Bale, who had a sickness bug, I remember thinking 'oh, no!'. I couldn't really believe it.
Denne historien er fra September 08, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 08, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SCHUEY TIPPED FOR PILGRIMS RETURN
STEVEN Schumacher is the odds-on favourite to take over at Plymouth Argyle following the departure of Wayne Rooney.
MAT'S SUPER SADDLERS GO MARCHING ON
DELIGHTED Walsall boss Mat Sadler praised his troops for an 'incredible victory' after the runaway leaders came from behind to stun Notts County.
CAM'S GOAL LEAVES MIKE FEELING BLUE
CARLISLE manager Mike Williamson said he could understand the frustration of the traveling fans after his side were booed off following a narrow defeat to Tranmere at Prenton Park.
MOORE WANTS SOME MORE
DARREN Moore hopes the win at promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers will prove to be a turning point for his Port Vale side.
SHRIMPS BID TO STIR THINGS UP
DEREK Adams wants his Morecambe side to build on a 'really big result' against Tranmere on New Year's Day when they visit Newport this afternoon.
'Don't blame this all on Freddie'
PAUL Heckingbottom leaped to the defence of Freddie Woodman after the Preston goalkeeper's mistake so nearly resulted in defeat against Oxford.
FORSON DOUBLE STUNS SKY BLUES
NORWICH head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup told goal hero Amankwah Forson to enjoy the moment after the substitute scored twice in injury-time to earn his side a scarcely believable win over Coventry City.
MCNALLY FIRES IN AS ROBINS FLY HIGH
LIAM Manning predicted a quiet transfer window in terms of signings after seeing his improving Bristol City side move up to eighth in the table - just three points off the playoff zone.
Danny downcast at wasteful Owls
FRUSTRATED Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl admitted he was \"more disappointed than happy\" after watching his side waste a succession of first-half chances before scraping a draw against Millwall.
ALLEN NO ORDINARY JOE, SAYS WILLIAMS
SWANSEA boss Luke Williams paid tribute to supersub Joe Allen after his injury-time goal claimed a point against West Bromwich Albion.
