Aston Villa and Wales defender James Chester has come out to staunchly defend international teammate and Stoke City defender Ashley Williams.

The 34-year-old former Everton man has had a torrid start to his life with the Potters, seeing red on two out of his three appearances for his new club, while also enduring a miserable time of things at international level with Wales.

However, teammate Chester has lept to the defence of his skipper for Wales, and insisted he is still their leader, and will 'be around for a while yet'.

In a report by the BBC, Chester was quick to praise Williams, who has had excellent spells with both Swansea and Everton before moving to Stoke, and said that his international teammates are right behind him.

"It was unfortunate that he had a difficult season at Everton last year but it did not matter when he turned up for Wales. He is our leader and I think Ash will certainly be around for a long time yet."

Injuries have played a big part for Williams in his so called decline, but again, Chester saw Williams' recovery and return as a positive sign, and said it 'shows you the man Ash is' when quizzed.

Stoke did get a win this past weekend as they finally got three valuable points on the board, and manager Gary Rowett will be hoping to finally get some momentum going for the Potters as they look to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Stoke fans, what do you make of Williams? Is Chester right to defend him? Let us know in the comments!