Williams happy with Wales

Australia could still call on Boro youngster

Last updated: 16th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Williams happy with Wales

Williams: Happy

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Middlesbrough starlet Rhys Williams insists he is committed to Wales, despite interest from Australia in securing his services.

Williams, currently on loan at Championship outfit Burnley, has been a crucial part of the Welsh Under 21 set-up over the past year.

He was actually born in Australia, but qualifies for Wales through a grandparent and they were quick to bring him into their international fold.

The 20-year-old has been called into the senior squad but is yet to be capped by John Toshack.

Under Fifa rules Williams has until he is 21 - which he turns in July - to switch allegiances, with Australia known to have shown an interest.

But Williams insists Wales remain his priority: "Obviously I'm Australian, but I enjoy playing for Wales.

"That's where I am at the minute - and that's where I intend to stay.

"I don't think I could switch now. Wales have been good to me and I've made my decision to play here. But it's down to Wales to play me now.

"I thought I'd get a shout in one of the last two qualifiers, but it wasn't to be. Hopefully I'll get to play next time."

Williams is pleased to have seen playing time at Burnley, but he is hoping to make his mark when he returns to The Riverside.

"The reason I came here was to get first-team experience and it's worked out well," he said.

"Hopefully when I do go back to Middlesbrough we're still in the Premier League and I can get in the squad next season."