Tue Oct 29, 2013 1:11 am
Ashley Williams handed Swansea City a major fitness boost ahead of the South Wales derby after declaring: “I’m ready to take on Cardiff.”
The Wales skipper made his first appearance since September 22 in the goalless draw with West Ham at the Liberty Stadium.
In total, frustrated Williams missed eight games for club and country with an ankle ligament problem.
But, after claiming an important clean sheet, the influential centre-back revealed he felt no pain following his 90-minute work-out and is expected to line up at the Cardiff City Stadium against Swansea’s arch rivals in six days’ time.
Williams said: “It was a tough test for the ankle, but I felt good and it stood up to it so I’m pleased to get 90 minutes under my belt.
“The last time I had a spell out with an injury was in 2007. I like playing and don’t enjoy watching.
“I found it frustrating, but I didn’t want to rush it. Most of the time I try to play through the pain, but this was an injury I needed to rest.
“We gave it time and we always planned for me to come back for this game so I’m pleased.
“There was no pain which is the main thing and now I’ve got a full week’s training. I didn’t want to go straight into that (the derby) because of the intensity of the game and it’s a massive game for obvious reasons.
“We’ll see how it reacts, but now I feel more confident that the ankle is going to be okay.”