Ashley Williams insists he will not shy away from the physical challenge that Andy Carroll will pose when Swansea face Liverpool on Sunday.
Wales international wants to finish the season with clean sheet
Ashley Williams insists he will not shy away from the physical challenge that Andy Carroll will pose when Swansea face Liverpool on Sunday.
The £35million striker is finally starting to show the type of form that prompted Liverpool to pay the record-breaking fee for him in January 2011.
Carroll scored after coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup final loss against Chelsea last weekend, and was named man of the match against the same opponents in the league game at Anfield a few days later.
Williams has been a beacon of defensive excellence at the heart of the Swans defence with his elegant ball-playing style.
A resurgent Carroll will definitely pose a new test for Williams, but he insists he is ready for the examination.
Top striker
"I've played against him a few times before and he looked really good on the TV the other night," said Williams.
"He's one of those players that if he decides he wants to have a good game, he will have a good game.
"I look forward to playing against him, but every week there's a top striker - that's the beauty of the Premier League.
"In my opinion, I would take him (to Euro 2012), but I'm not too bothered if he goes or not.
"If he plays Sunday it's an interesting game because one moment you're battling against him, then you have to play (Luis) Suarez who's really agile, quick and nimble.
Physical challenge
"That's the beauty of it."
Williams has helped Swansea claim an impressive 13 shut-outs in their maiden season in the Premier League - a record he is proud of and keen to extend.
"I like a physical challenge as well. You have to roll your sleeves up and get involved in that," he added.
"It will be a good test. He's a good player with good feet as you saw from his goal the other day.
"This is just the last test and I know I've got to be on top of my game."
