Ryan Williams talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
With Millers defender Semi Ajayi recently earning his first senior cap for international side Nigeria, teammate Ryan Williams is hoping that his exploits in English football’s second tier can help him into the reckoning for his native Australia.
The Perth-born wideman has featured for his country up to U23s level but is yet to receive a full call-up, however, following his recent inclusion on the Socceroos’ standby list, Williams is keen to ensure his club form keeps him at the forefront of his international boss’ mind.
"I made the stand-by squad after getting a message off the coach which said keep doing what you are doing which was nice,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I kept myself ready in case the call came, and hopefully now I can keep starting games, keep my form to a high standard and try to impress again.”
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old has been kept on his toes by the competition for places in the midfield ranks at AESSEAL New York Stadium and he admits that he and his teammates are well-aware that they have to perform to keep their place in Paul Warne’s side.
"At the start of the season the Gaffer always said that he wanted to strengthen in the middle to help out Will (Vaulks) and Matt (Palmer),” Williams continued.
“Now we have Ryan Manning and Richie, and we also know young Ben Wiles is making great strides too. There is real competition now, which is great and it gives us that chance to play with three in midfield knowing Semi can do a great job in there as well. The gaffer is all about good competition for places and you can see that now right across the midfield.”
Williams concluded by adding that whilst speculation of a return for promotion-winning midfielder and another internatioanl in the Millers ranks, Richie Towell was rife throughout the summer, it still came as a welcome surprise when the Irishman finally arrived at the club’s Roundwood training ground after penning a deal on a loan return.
"I had no idea that it was still on the cards, and then on deadline day he was in,” he admitted.
“It is obviously a great addition to our side. He helped us a lot last season in what he did, how he plays and what he demands off people as well which is good. He has definitely lifted the quality of our squad.”