Ex-Portsmouth and Oxford United man set for India international recognition - after switching allegiances from Australia
The ex-Pompey winger previously appeared internationally for Australia in June 2019
A former Pompey player is poised to make his international debut for India - after switching allegiances from Australia.
Perth-born Ryan Williams represented his country at under-20 and under-23 level, before making his senior debut in a friendly against South Korea in June 2019.
Shortly afterwards, he signed for Pompey, representing a second Fratton Park spell, with high hopes of establishing himself on the international stage with Australia after finally making the long-awaited breakthrough.
However, having been unable to add to that tally, the former Fulham, Oxford United and Rotherham man has now committed himself to India - and is in the frame for a debut against Bangladesh on Tuesday.
In order to be considered, Williams has taken up Indian citizenship, relinquishing his Australian dual citizenship in the process.
Qualifies through his Mumbai-born mother
Now aged 31, the winger qualifies through his mother, who was born in Mumbai, while has been representing Indian Super League side Bengaluru since July 2023 and grown to love the country.
Settled with his family in India, Williams has now taken the next step and, having been named in their international squad for the first time, is currently awaiting final clearance to face Bangladesh in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Williams said: ‘I was going to play in Korea, there was a team interested, but I pulled out. Then this came along and I thought: “Why not?”.
‘I knew players in Australia who had absolutely loved playing in India and I was keen to try something new again. My mum was actually born in Mumbai and was an Indian citizen for 14 years, while both my maternal grandparents were also born in the country.
‘Probably the happiest me and the family have been in a long time. It’s a great place.’
‘The standard of the game in India took some getting used to, to be honest. The level of the foreign players in their game is good and the level of good Indian players is good. However, the main difference is that the ability of the average Indian player is a lot less than usual.
‘I’ve found Bengaluru so peaceful, the people are friendly, and it’s probably the happiest me and the family have been in a long time. It’s a great place.’
Williams was hugely disappointed to be released by Pompey boss Danny Cowley in June 2021 after 91 games and eight goals.
He subsequently joined Oxford on a two-year deal, yet swiftly became disillusioned at the Kassam Stadium club and, just 12 months later, returned to former club Perth Glory for an undisclosed fee.
Williams featured 24 times for Perth as they finished ninth in the A-League, before taking the plunge and moving to Bengaluru in July 2023.
By last summer, he had scored 10 goals in 40 appearances during his opening two seasons, helping them finish fourth in the Indian Super League and qualify for the Indian Super League Cup, progressing to the final against Mohun Bagan SG in April.
Williams has now been included in India’s 23-man squad for their clash with Bangladesh in Dhaka in Group C of the Asian Cup qualifiers.