The 23-year-old Australia international injured his knee in the 1-0 loss against Oman on Friday, before remaining an unused substitute on the bench against Thailand the following Tuesday.

However, Williams successfully trained with his club team-mates on Thursday after making the long journey back to the United Kingdom.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray told mfc.co.uk: "Rhys and Nicky (Bailey) both started training today. Rhys was taking care of himself after a 27-hour flight.”

Williams, who said he knew nothing of a reported link with Bolton and Liverpool earlier this week, has been an integral member of the Boro side which sits third in the Championship this campaign.

The Perth-born utility has made 16 appearances for Middlesbrough this term, scoring twice.