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Swansea's Ashley Williams discusses blossoming partnership with James Chester
ASHLEY WILLIAMS has hailed Wales sidekick James Chester after giving his thumbs up to their blossoming centre-back partnership.
Ashley Williams enjoys playing alongside James Chester
The Swansea and Hull defenders produced excellent displays to shut-out Belgium in last Sunday’s Euro 2016 qualifier.
That goalless draw in Brussels was rock-solid Wales’ second clean sheet of the campaign.
And the superb result edges Chris Coleman’s second-placed side in Group B one step closer to the finals in France.
The Dragons have only had their defence breached twice in four qualification games - and have yet to concede from open play - with Williams and newboy Chester, who has only won five caps, striking up an instant partnership.
Wales skipper Williams said: “James is an accomplished defender. He knows exactly what he is doing and I got that sense off him from day one.
“He talks to me and helps me out on the pitch. I can learn from him. It’s nice and I’m really enjoying playing alongside him.
"On the pitch we seem to have a good understanding. At times we just know what each other is going to do.
James Chester only switched allegiance to Wales in June
I can learn from him. It’s nice and I’m really enjoying playing alongside him
“It clicked the first time I met him (before Andorra in September). I thought he was a good lad so it was instant. Off the pitch is the main thing. I got on with him and he’s my mate now.”
English-born Chester only switched his allegiances to Wales in June for the friendly against the Netherlands after Coleman found out the 25-year-old’s mother was born in Rhyl.
Ex-Manchester United defender Chester, born in Warrington, said: “When I spoke in the summer before my first cap I said one of the reasons I wanted to do this was to come and play games against teams like Belgium and the players they've got.
“I've worked hard for a long time to be a professional footballer and get these opportunities and if you don't enjoy it then you're doing yourself an injustice.
“I wasn't sure what to expect at international level before but people I spoke to said my game would suit playing at this level even more and hopefully I'm showing that I can play at this level.
“I love playing with Ashley. He’s a real leader and the more we play together the better we get. He’s got a lot of experience and made it easy for me to settle in.”