Williams, 22, made his return to action earlier this month after a 10-month absence due to a pelvic injury which kept him out of Australia's squad for the 2010 World Cup.

The Perth-born utility sustained the injury playing for Boro last term before battling through late season games with pain with the aid of injections, which prompted a war of words between Middlesbrough and the Socceroos boss at the time, Pim Verbeek.

But Boro assistant coach Mark Venus told the Evening Gazette that Williams wouldn't be risked this time, with a view to the long-term.

“Eleven months is a long time to be out, so you have to bring things along gradually,” Venus said. “Rhys is a good player, but we are looking at the long term rather than the short term.

“He’s a footballer who can play a big part in what we are trying to achieve here, and that is to get the club out of this league.”

Williams has been outstanding since his return, playing in central defence for Boro who have moved nine points clear of the drop zone into 18th.

Venus added the coaching staff where in no rush to identify the versatile Australian's best position on the pitch after his impressive displays as a central defender.

“As soon as we saw Rhys on the training pitch we could see that he’s a good footballer,” he said. “Quite clearly he can play in a variety of positions. He’s played in midfield and he can play across the back.

“He’s played at centre-back for us and never let us down. It’s handy to have a player who gives you options.

“I don’t know what his best position will be. There’s no rush. We’ll just take things as we see them from game to game.”