Huge FA Cup test awaits for snubbed Aussie Ryan Williams
It was a case of so near and yet so far for Ryan Williams after missing the final cut for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad, the Rotherham United midfielder will enjoy a quality consolation prize.
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It was a case of so near yet so far for Ryan Williams after missing the final cut for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup squad.
Yet as Graham Arnold’s men prepare for their tournament opener in the UAE, the Rotherham United midfielder will enjoy the consolation prize of an FA Cup clash against the champions of England.
The Millers visit Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday morning (AEDT) looking to pull off a huge upset.
Williams was part of Arnold’s provisional/standby squad for the UAE but was not selected to make the final 23.
It means the 25-year-old is free to try and help Championship side Rotherham tackle a City team full of confidence after their massive 2-1 English Premier League win over Liverpool on Friday.
Perth-product Williams, who can play wide or in the No.10 role, was recently praised by Rotherham boss Paul Warne — although player and boss agree Williams needs to add goals to his game.
Warne is confident Williams can make the international step up while the player himself is also aiming high.
“I see myself playing higher, for sure,” he told the Rotherham Advertiser. He added that finally getting the Socceroos call would be “a special day.”
Williams is not the only Australian in FA Cup action this weekend although Asian Cup duties mean goalkeeper Mat Ryan will miss Brighton’s clash with Bournemouth.
Callum Elder recently moved to Ipswich Town on loan from Leicester City, linking up with young Aussie striker Ben Folami at Portman Road. The Championship cellar dwellers have a tricky looking tie away to third tier Accrington Stanley.
James Meredith’s Millwall will also be looking to advance to the fourth round when they take on a Hull City side lacking another Asian Cup Socceroo in Jackson Irvine.
Mile Jedinak’s Aston Villa entertain fellow Championship side Swansea City and Bailey Wright’s Bristol City will look to pull off a shock against an Aaron Mooy-less Huddersfield Town.
On the touchline, fourth tier Grimsby Town’s assistant manager Anthony Limbrick will be helping the Mariners to try and produce a stunning upset when they visit Premier League side Crystal Palace.
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Originally published as Huge FA Cup test awaits for snubbed Aussie Ryan Williams
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