Adam Matthews' Sunderland move boosts Wales says Osian Roberts

Adam Matthews moved from Cardiff to Celtic in 2011

Adam Matthews' move from Celtic to Sunderland can boost the player and Wales, says national team coach Osian Roberts.

Manager Chris Coleman's right-hand man says the ex-Cardiff City defender has a "good challenge ahead".

Matthews, 23, has not played for Wales since their 3-0 defeat against Serbia in September, 2013.

"Playing regularly in the Premier League increases competition within our squad," said Roberts.

"And that's what we require."

Roberts believes Matthews has made the move to the north East at the right time in his career.

"Adam's done well up at Celtic," said Roberts.

"Obviously it's a big club, great history, [with a] great tradition, but it's the right time for him now to come back into the Premier League.

"It's a good challenge for him at Sunderland; a big club and there'll be good competition for places, which he'll need.

"And also there's that opportunity then to be playing against top players… on a regular basis.

"That will only help his development in the next step of his career."

Wales are top of Group B in the 2016 Euro qualifiers with four campaign games left.

Chris Coleman's side face games in September against Cyprus and Israel and they end their quest to be at a first major finals since 1958 against Bosnia-Hercegovina and Andorra in October, 2015.