The versatile 22-year-old made his first start for Boro since April after a long injury lay-off, playing a full game in the centre of defence as struggling Middlesbrough defeated Derby County 2-1 on Tuesday.

And Mowbray was full of praise for Williams, who can play in midfield or defence, after the game.

"Rhys is a Rolls Royce really. He covers the ground so effortlessly. When he tackles he reminds me of Gary Pallister,” Mowbray told mfc.co.uk.

"He's got these like snake legs, an extension gadget leg that comes out. You don't think he's going to get there but he manages to make great challenges and great tackles.

"I'm pleased for Rhys. Whether that's his position, we'll wait and see. Stephen McManus will probably join the squad on Saturday and Andrew Davies is knocking on my door every day to tell me he's just about ready, so the competition will be there in a week or two.

"Rhys doesn't know himself where he wants to play. Hopefully the result says we got it right tonight though."

Middlesbrough are now six points clear of the drop zone in 20th.