Crystal Palace starlet Jonathan Williams gives Wales hope for the future

Wales have no chance of reaching the World Cup but Chris Coleman is pinning his hopes on Jonathan Williams joining forces with Gareth Bale to give the country hope for the future.

The 19-year-old, nicknamed ‘Joniesta’ by one of his youth-team coaches at Crystal Palace, was a lively presence in midfield (above) during last night’s 2-1 defeat by Croatia in Swansea.

Williams’ lovely exchange with Joe Ledley led to the latter being brought down for the penalty which gave Wales the lead.

“In the next couple of trips you will be asking me about Johnny as much as you do about Gareth,” said Coleman.

“He will go to another level and you can see why everyone is so excited. He’s still got a lot of work to do but he’s certainly a gifted player.”