Australia coach Pim Verbeek axed the versatile Middlesbrough man because of concerns over a pelvic injury.

The 21-year-old has returned to Boro to receive medical attention, but he won't be fit for the start of the English season.

Williams maintains a brave face despite feeling his chop from the national side.

"I'm heartbroken that I won't be involved in the World Cup, but obviously proud to have made the 27 and to get as far as I did," he told the Evening Gazette.

"I'm happy with myself - it just wasn't meant to be this year for me."

Perth-born Williams is pleased he was given an opportunity by the Socceroos coaching staff.

"I have been struggling for a long time, but the [Socceroos] coaching staff gave me every possible chance to be fit.," he said.

"Now I'm looking forward to working out a plan with the physios and looking to the future."

His club boss Gordon Strachan was unhappy with the comments made by Verbeek that Williams had been mishandled during the Championship campaign.