The 22-year-old, who was called up by Socceroos coach Holger Osieck this week, overcame a long-term pelvic injury last term to play in 12 of Middlesbrough's final 13 games of the season where he was a revelation for the side who improved in his presence.

The Perth-born defender/midfielder's fine run of form also prompted interest from Premier League club Bolton, but Boro said they weren't interested in selling Williams.

And Mowbray told the Evening Gazette this week that he believes Williams' future career would be best served if he remained at Middlesbrough next term.

“I’m sure that Rhys has a great future ahead of him. But he also knows that he needs to play football next season, and we can provide that,” Mowbray said.

Mowbray, who had a similar pelvic injury during his playing career, added he believes remaining at Boro would also be good for Williams' bid to completely overcome his injury which the Socceroo still needs to monitor.

“Rhys is so athletic. He’s shown lots of agility since he came back into the side,” Mowbray said.

“We’ve been able to play him anywhere at the back, in midfield, and playing off a striker. But it won’t allow us to ignore the injuries he has had in the pelvic area.

“I know from my own experience how important it is to make sure that rehab is done the right way.

“And one thing that Rhys needs most of all is to play 40 games for us next season, week in and week out, in all types of football matches.”

Mowbray also said Boro's position on selling young players such as Williams had not changed despite the club's bid to drastically reduce its wage bill this European summer.

“We are not under pressure to sell any of our younger players,” Mowbray said. “I know the interest is out there. I’m sure that the speculation will go on.

“But it’s pleasing for me to see interest in our younger players. “If they weren’t any good, then nobody would be interested in them. But we don’t need to sell.”

Williams is contracted with Middlesbrough until mid-2013.