Ashley Williams wants weakened Wales at their best in friendly double-header

Ashley Williams hopes Wales maintain momentum without Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in their forthcoming friendlies.

Williams will captain a weakened Wales squad when they kick off their Euro 2016 preparations against Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Thursday and follow up with a trip to Ukraine four days later.

It will be a different squad on show over the next week, with key players Bale and Ramsey joined on the sidelines by James Collins, Andy King, Paul Dummett and David Edwards.

However, Williams is keen to make sure there are no excuses for their performances and ensure the positive vibes in the squad continue through to this summer's tournament in France.

"Momentum's a big thing and we want to keep it going," said the Swansea centre-back. "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.

"Everyone knows what good players they [Bale and Ramsey] are, but we need to perform well as a team no matter who plays.

"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."

A number of fringe players have the chance to impress coach Chris Coleman, who handed calls to Fulham defender Jazz Richards, Southampton winger Lloyd Isgrove and Birmingham midfielder David Cotterill when he named his squad last week.

"The boys coming in have got something to prove because they're trying to secure themselves a spot in the squad for the Euros," Williams added.

"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."