'I'VE ACHIEVED A LOT - AND I HAVEN'T FINISHED!'

Former Wales international Williams eyes promotion with Gills

- John Lyons

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.