The versatile defender joined Boro in 2008 and was last season voted Player’s Player of the Year by his teammates.

Mowbray believes Williams has all the attributes necessary to make a successful captain and that by assuming the role, he will develop further as a player.

"First and foremost he is a top football player with good communication skills and he's very, very well respected in the dressing room" said Mowbray.

"He's still developing, yet an immensely talented player and one I hope by giving him the added responsibility of captaincy will be one who will focus his mind on the job week in, week out.”

Williams’ career has been blighted by persistent injuries, but Mowbray insists they have had no lasting impact on his ability.

Mowbray added: "He had some injury problems early in his career, but has come through them and come out the other end and shown his qualities."

Middlesbrough play their first Championship match of the 2012/2013 season on August 19 against Barnsley, where Williams is expected to line up alongside Jonathan Woodgate in the centre of defence.