FOREST GREEN boss Mark Cooper has pulled off a major coup by landing Wales international George Williams on a two-year deal.

Williams,22, was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-final of Euro 2016, and boasts seven caps.

He was first called up to the side for a friendly match against the Netherlands in 2014, following an injury to Gareth Bale.

Born in Milton Keynes, Williams qualifies through his Welsh mother.

An explosive right- winger, he joins Rovers after his contract ended at Premier League new-boys Fulham. He spent last season on loan at Scottish Premier St Johnstone.

Rovers' ambitions ticked all the boxes for the former Fulham man.

Williams said: “After coming down here last week, speaking to the manager and finding out a bit more about him, the chairman and the ambitions they have for the club, everything was perfect for me – I’m really looking forward to being a part of the team.”

The winger admitted ‘there’s no better feeling’ than to represent your country and was thrilled to be involved at Euro 2016.

He added: “I’ll remember it for ever because it was so special to be part of that team and to get to the semi-finals - it’s a bit of a dream, it’s still a bit of a blur but it’s something that I’m very proud of.”

He hopes that the move to FGR to could reignite his international prospects after last playing for Wales against Northern Ireland in 2016.

He added: “That’s why I’ve come to Forest Green. I had options to go elsewhere, but after speaking to the manager everything just seemed right so I’m really positive and hopefully I can do well at Forest Green - that will not only be great for the club, but will be great for myself as well as I want to get back in that Wales squad.”

Mark Cooper spoke of his delight at landing such a high-profile signing,who was close to remaining in the SPL with St Johnstone after settling with his partner and baby in Dunblane.

“We’ve chased a couple of players in that sort of wide attacking area, and George brings a real attacking thrust,” said Cooper.

“He’s a current international - he went to the Euros with Wales so he’s a really good signing for us.

“A lot of work’s gone into it to try and get him. I met him last week and put forward why I thought he should come to us and after that he said it was an easy decision for him.”

Williams started his career at MK Dons alongside England star Dele Alli, where he scored on his debut as a 16-year-old in the first round of the FA Cup against Nantwich Town, to become the youngest-ever scorer in the competition at the age of 16 years, two months and five days.

Williams was picked up by Fulham amid interest from a host of top-flight teams in summer 2012 and went on to help the club win the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the 2013/14 season.

After making 16 first team appearances for Fulham in 2014/15, he re-joined MK Dons on a youth loan in February until the end of the season, only to suffer a rupture to his ACL which brought a premature end to his campaign.

Since then he has been on loan to Gillingham and again with MK Dons, as well as a spell in the Fulham Under 23s where he scored 15 goals in 17 games in the 16/17 season.

On January transfer deadline day 2018, Williams joined SPL outfit St Johnstone on loan for the remainder of the season, making 11 appearances and scoring once.

Williams becomes FGR’s fifth signing of the season after James Montgomery, Carl Winchester, Tahvon Campbell and Joseph Mills.

He joins FGR subject to international clearance and EFL and FA approval.