Wales captain Ashley Williams challenges his side to maintain their momentum during their friendly double-header against Northern Ireland and Ukraine.

Wales captain Ashley Williams has urged his side to maintain the team's momentum during the upcoming friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine.

Wales are gearing up for their first major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup having impressed on their way to a second-placed finish in Group B of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Manager Chris Coleman will be without a number of players for the double-header, including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, but Williams is hoping that the fringe players can step up in their absence.

"Momentum's a big thing and we want to keep it going. We lost to Holland in our last game but we played very well. There were a lot of good performances from guys who came in and don't play very much. Both [Bale and Ramsey] are important to what we're trying to do. Everyone knows what good players they are, but we need to perform well as a team no matter who plays," Williams told reporters.

"It's a shame Gaz and Aaron are missing the games, but on the other side some people are going to play who wouldn't have played. The boys coming in have got something to prove because they're trying to secure themselves a spot in the squad for the Euros. I'll be looking to play both games as always.

"I enjoy playing for Wales and try to get on the field as much as I can. We haven't seen each other for a long time and the two games are very important. For the players most likely going to the Euros it's about team cohesion and keeping the momentum going. There will probably be a couple of different teams and changes, but we want to perform well against two good opponents."

Wales will host Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Thursday night before taking on Ukraine away four days later.