Socceroo Williams pledges loyalty to Boro

Australia international Rhys Williams said he is happy at Middlesbrough for now despite transfer speculation.

Williams, 23, has enjoyed a fine first-half of the season with promotion-chasing Boro prompting reported interest from Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, West Bromwich, Newcastle and Bolton.

The defensive midfielder is aware of speculation but has pledged his loyalty to manager Tony Mowbray, who has taken the club to fourth spot in the Championship.”

“It’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League and right now it’s looking good,” Williams told Australia’s The World Game.

“I’m aware there has been some speculation but I am more than happy at Middlesbrough. I am well settled and it would mean so much to the town and the manager Tony Mowbray to go up.”

Williams, who missed 11 months of football with a groin injury before returning in March last year, curiously was reluctant to commit to Boro if they missed promotion this term.

“For me it’s not about money or anything, it’s about fulfilling a dream. I’d love to go up with Boro but at the end of the day it’s my burning desire to play in the Premier League,” he said.

“That’s what I’m focusing on my energies on now. I haven’t felt this fit for a long time and after missing so much football last season with osteitis pubis and that’s a huge bonus. I feel like I’m getting stronger all the time and playing well.”

A Daily Telegraph report was the latest to link Williams with a Premier League club, claiming Liverpool had held informal discussions with the player’s management.