Ashley Williams and Seamus Coleman to set aside friendship as Everton duo agree not to speak before Wales take on Republic of Ireland in crunch game

  • Seamus Coleman said he will not extend warm handshake to Ashley Williams
  • Everton pair have agreed not to speak to each other in build up to game 
  • Ireland welcome Wales in crucial World Cup qualification tie in Dublin
  • Williams said: 'We won’t be laughing or joking, neither of us is that character'

Ashley Williams and Seamus Coleman may have become close team-mates for Everton but the pair of international captains have revealed they will not speak to each other before Wales and Ireland clash in the crunch World Cup qualifier.

Coleman offered a stern ‘no’ when asked whether he might extend a warm handshake to his colleague in Everton’s backline.

And Williams said there will be zero signs of familiarity in the tunnel before the teams walk out at the Aviva Stadium.

Seamus Coleman (pictured) and Ashley Williams have agreed not to speak in the build up to their game
Williams spoke of his admiration for his Everton team-mate but friendship will take a back seat when Ireland play Wales

Seamus Coleman and Ashley Williams have agreed not to speak in the build up to their game

Williams said he would not be sharing a laugh or joke with Coleman until after the match 

Williams said he would not be sharing a laugh or joke with Coleman until after the match 

The duo have bonded since Williams’ £12million summer switch from Swansea and have been integral to Everton’s good season. 


But both wear national colours with passion and are aware how crucial the game in Dublin promises to be for ambitions of reaching Russia 2018.

Williams said: 'We haven’t spoken. We agreed that we wouldn’t speak in the week leading up to it.

'We won’t be laughing or joking, neither of us is that type of character. I respect him but we won’t be seen hugging before the game. We’ve got a job to do, we both want three points for our country.

The Welsh captain is wary of the attacking threat posed by his Everton team-mate

The Welsh captain is wary of the attacking threat posed by his Everton team-mate

'We’ve become good friends but he’s a competitor like I am. He’s a very good player, one of the best that I’ve played with. He's one of the most attacking defenders I’ve ever seen - one we have to keep an eye on.' 

Asked if he might exchange a greeting with Williams in the tunnel before kick-off, Coleman gave a fine Roy Keane impression, fixing a stare and replying in the negative.

'I’ll have the green shirt on not the blue shirt,' he added. 'I’ve got to know Ashley quite well at club level. He’s a great lad but he’s a winner as well. But once I’ve got that green shirt on, that’s all I care about. Fully focused.