Williams, 22, had been sidelined due to groin and pelvic injuries, but returned to the Boro side as a 60th-minute substitute in Saturday's loss.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray was delighted to see Williams back on the park after his long layoff.

"For me the main positive is that Rhys played half an hour today," Mowbray told mfc.co.uk.

"He's got to get up speed pretty quickly. Hopefully he can add competition in the centre-midfield areas at first."

The Perth-born defender's return could be in time to be considered for selection for Australia's upcoming friendly with Germany on March 29.

Meanwhile, fellow Socceroo Scott McDonald missed the clash due to illness.

"Scott has an illness and hasn't been at the training ground for the last few days," Mowbray said.

"We didn't want anyone else catching it and hopefully over the weekend he will improve."

Elsewhere, another young Australian goalkeeper made his first-team debut, with 20-year-old Daniel Ireland making an appearance as a 46th-minute substitute in Coventry's 4-1 loss to Bristol City.

Sydney-born Ireland got his chance after regular number one Keiren Westwood had to be replaced at half-time due to injury.