Williams, 22, has been heavily linked with Premiership outfit Bolton this week with Trotters boss Owen Coyle – who he previously worked with during a loan stint at Burnley - revealing his admiration for the Socceroo.

The Perth-born defender/midfielder exclusively told au.fourfourtwo.com he'd love to play in the highly-rated English Premiership but said he hadn't formally heard from Bolton despite Coyle's comments in the press.

“I've never played in the Premiership and it's always been my dream,” Williams said.

“If the right move comes along and it's right for the club, myself and my career then it'd be the way forward.

“My future lies in the hands of Middlesbrough Football Club. Whether they want to keep me or sell me, it's their choice and time will tell.”

Williams added: “But I don't know how true everything is right now. I'm not even sure if the club have said anything because they haven't spoken to me about anything.

“Time will tell, if it's true then obviously I'm delighted for people to be interested in me.”

Williams, who spent 11 months on the sidelines this season due to a pelvis injury, returned to the Middlesbrough side in March and has impressed in the Championship since.

The youngster said if the move to Bolton eventuated he hoped he'd be able to handle the step-up to the Premier League.

“I've come back and been doing quite well for the team. I think maybe I could do the step-up,” he said.

“Obviously it'd take a bit of an adjustment to get used to it, if it's quicker or slower.”

Williams previous experiences under Coyle at Burnley where during the Championship club's run to promotion in the 2008/2009 season.

The young Aussie's time at Burnley represented a breakthrough in his club career and he said he owes a lot to Coyle.

“He signed me at Burnley without even knowing much about me,” he said.

“I feel that kickstarted my career massively, playing in the Championship and playing every week. I played 17 games on the bounce for Burnley and they ended up getting promoted.

“So Owen Coyle has been massive for my career, by giving me the chance when I was younger. I'll forever thank him for that.”