Football
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Wales' Ashley Williams confident of facing Belgium in quarterfinal

Wales captain Ashley Williams expects to be in "good shape" for the Euro 2016 quarterfinal against Belgium.

Williams, 31, injured his shoulder in the closing stages of the 1-0 round of 16 victory against Northern Ireland last weekend and was doubtful for the Belgium clash in Lille.

But Williams conducted his prematch media duties on Thursday and says he will be fine for Wales' biggest game in over half a century.

"It was hurting a lot at the end of the game," Williams said ahead of Friday night's clash at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

"But a lot of credit goes to the medical staff, they've done a great job on me. I've trained in all the sessions this week, it's in good shape and I'm sure it will be fine tomorrow."

Wales manager Chris Coleman said he was concerned when the centre-back suffered the injury following a collision with teammate Jonathan Williams.

"When you see a shoulder injury like that you're always worried," Coleman said. "The medical team have done a fantastic job, getting him ready and getting him in shape.

"I'm just relieved. I said 24 hours after the game that would be the period we needed to concentrate. If he had a bad reaction it would have been difficult, but It's great news for us that he will be available."

Williams has been a key figure as Wales have progressed to the last eight, emulating the achievement of the 1958 side which reached the same stage of the World Cup in Sweden that year.

"Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but you need leaders in your side," Coleman said. "We've got a really good dressing room, a good blend, and Ash is the captain.

"When you have a strong dressing room you need a strong character to lead it, and Ash is that."

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