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Jonny Williams: My career's back on track after injury hell

CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 09: Jonny Williams of Wales during the international friendly match between Wales and Belarus at the Cardiff City Stadium on September 09, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Image: Jonny Williams has recovered from a series of injuries to make his comeback for club and country

Jonny Williams believes he is back on track for club and country after injuries almost derailed his career.

Williams made his first Wales start since Euro 2016 in Monday's 1-0 friendly victory over Belarus in Cardiff.

That return to the international stage came after some impressive early-season form, which has helped surprise package Charlton to second spot in the Sky Bet Championship.

"I know I can play a lot better, but it's just nice to be back out there again," said Williams, who has had two shoulder operations in the last two seasons after battling back from a broken leg and other nasty injuries earlier in his career.

"My two shoulder injuries have been very unfortunate. It's not as if I'm a rugby player, but of course you use your shoulders a lot in football.

"It was hard to get back from them. But I feel fine now, I'm pinned in and I'm ready to go.

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Highlights of Wales’ international friendly match against Belarus

"The last couple of games are something to build on and hopefully I can stay fit."

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After first being called to the Wales squad at 17, lengthy injury spells curtailed his progress, and loan spells at Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons, and Sunderland failed to spark his early promise.

It was not until Williams arrived at Charlton in January that his career began to move in an upward trajectory again, helping the Addicks win promotion through the League One play-offs.

Wales' Daniel James celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the International Friendly match at Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
Image: Williams started in Wales 1-0 win over Belarus

Williams won his 19th cap against Belarus, six and a half years after his first in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win away to Scotland.

It was the 25-year old's first start since he lined up in the opening game of Euro 2016 against Slovakia in Bordeaux.

"I knew if I was in the Championship I was going to get a better chance of being back in the Welsh fold," Williams said.

"I feel at home in the Championship as I've played most of my career there.

"It's a tough league, where everyone beats everyone.

"But hopefully I can play as many games as I can this season and work on my form in a Welsh shirt."

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