James Collins backed to step up for Wales as captain Ashley Williams struggles with shoulder injury

Williams sustained the injury towards the end of Saturday’s nervy 1-0 win over Northern Ireland as a Gareth McAuley own goal sent Wales through to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

He could not move his left arm in the closing stages and manager Chris Coleman wanted to send Collins on but the skipper refused to leave the field.

Scans are yet to reveal the extent of the damage but Coleman says he would have no worries about starting West Ham centre-back Collins in Lille on Friday night if he's needed.

“I wouldn’t have any worries,” said the Wales boss. “He is that type of character and he’s experienced as well.

“He is certainly not lacking in confidence as a man. He would relish it.

“I wouldn’t change the whole team round if I am honest with you. If you look at how we play. We play a certain way for a reason. Unless something drastic happens I wouldn’t change the whole team around.”

Cwmbran’s Danny Gabbidon, Collins’ former defensive partner for Wales, West Ham and Cardiff City, has no doubts that his old friend would step up to the mark.

Gabbidon feels that Collins has matured in recent years and is ready to handle the pressure of Wales’ biggest match since the 1958 World Cup quarter-final.

“He’s a bit more of a defender now,” said Gabbidon. “When I played with him at Cardiff he was a lot more of a ball-playing defender.

“He’d try to hit these long cross-field passes but he’s certainly reined that in now.

“He sticks more to the defending and gives the ball to the players who can do that.

“Sometimes he was liable to pick up the odd red card but I think he’s matured as a player over time.

“He makes a lot less mistakes now and he’s much more of a solid defender.

“He knows his limits and I think that’s stood him in good stead.

“That’s what it’s all about – the more games you play the more experience you get.

“You adapt your game and you always try to improve. It’s been great watching him his career and how he’s progressed.”

James Chester, who has excelled alongside Williams in France, believes there is a chance that the captain may be fit to play but says Collins would be the perfect replacement if required.

“In my time here Ash has shown what a character he is and what a leader so if there’s any glimpse of him being fit he’ll be out there,” said Chester.

“But should Ash not be fit then Ginge is a more than a capable replacement.

“That’s a factor in this squad – the quality in depth is probably the best we’ve had in a long time.”