New Boro boss Gordon Strachan has offered the 22-year-old Australian a massive confidence boost by securing him to a new deal which expires in mid-2013.

Williams previous deal still had 18 months to run, but Middlesbrough made their move with the Aussie becoming a first-team regular and in the wake of a 'dream year' from the Perth-born utility.

"It's all happened for me in this past year," said Williams. "This time last year I had just signed forms to join Burnley on an extended loan.

"I ended up suffering relegation with Boro and celebrating promotion with Burnley on the same weekend.

"But relegation was a blessing in disguise for me because it gave me a chance to break into the first team."

Williams had been a regular starter for Boro this campaign, scoring two goals, before a pelvic injury struck him down in early January.

He added: "It wasn't really a difficult decision to commit to a new contract because until my injury I've been in the team and happy.

"I'd had some talks with Gareth Southgate initially but it was great that Gordon Strachan came in and quickly said that he wanted me to sign a new deal. That's a big boost for me, especially as he has picked me so often too."

Strachan has had a slow start to life at the Riverside Stadium, but following a busy January transfer window, the signs look positive for Boro who are currently eighth in the English second tier.

Williams added: "Now my aim is to win promotion with Boro. That's what all the lads want and the gaffer too. We all want to get the club into the Premier League and we believe we can do it.

"If I can help Boro win promotion and play at the World Cup that would be the perfect scenario. Pim Verbeek, the Australia manager, has been to Boro games along with his assistants and he's more likely to come now that Scott McDonald is here too."

For now, though, the 22-year-old must bide his time on the sidelines with his frustrating injury.

"I've been first in and last out of Rockliffe for a few weeks now and I can't wait to get back playing," he said. "I've been doing a lot of strengthening exercises in the gym, but I'm running again now and doing a bit of ball work.

"I've pencilled in the QPR game at the end of the month for my comeback. That may be a bit too optimistic, but if I make good progress over the next couple of weeks I'll hopefully be about there."

Strachan also offered praise to the young Aussie who he thinks has a bright future.

"When I first came here he was one of the faces who always stood out and I thought, 'You're not bad, you could make a half decent player with some work'," Strachan said.

"But he's had an injury that he's carried for a few months an I've not seen him for a while. I like him and would like to see him back now."