Ashley Williams: 'Timing of friendly isn't right'

Swansea City captain Ashley Williams believes that the timing of the first international fixtures of the season take away from the club's pre-season preparations.

Williams is preparing to skipper Wales in their fixture with Republic of Ireland, but with Swansea preparing to face Manchester United at the weekend, the former Stockport County defender has insisted that there must be a "better time" for their country's opening friendly to take place.

The 28-year-old told the South Wales Evening Post: "You work for four or five weeks in pre-season building up to your first game, which for us is Manchester United, and we've had two Europa League games as well.

"Then you leave that for three or four days before the game and you're away from your team.

"It's not a great time to play. It's not my job to pick when, but there's got to be a better time."

Williams has made 41 appearances for Wales since making his debut in 2008.