Williams thrilled by captain's role

Williams has been named by manager Tony Mowbray as Boro skipper for the forthcoming season in which the club is expected to be one of the favourites for promotion to the Premier League.

"I am honoured and proud to be captain of such a brilliant club," said Williams, who early in the week was picked in Australia's squad for next week's friendly with Scotland in Edinburgh.

"I have been captain a few times in my junior days and in some pre-season games for Boro but being the official captain for the coming season is just fantastic.

"It is also a big responsibility but one that I'm looking forward to.

"I would like the players to look up to me and serve as a middle man between management and the team during any issues that might arise during the season.

"We had a good season in 2011-2012 but this time we want to go one step better."

Williams is one of Mowbray's finest and most consistent players and last season he signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Riverside club, a few weeks after it rejected a big-money offer from Premier League Bolton Wanderers.

"It's nice to know that the club regards you so highly," he said.

"Soon after the club supposedly turned down a bid from Bolton they offered me a deal for four and a half years.

"I see my future in Middlesbrough and I will do my best so the club can return to where it belongs ... in the Premier League."

Williams, who came through the club's academy, is one of several Australian players to have played for Boro.

Craig Johnson started the influx in 1977 and was followed by Mark Schwarzer, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Brad Jones and Scott McDonald.

Middlesbrough has enjoyed excellent service from its 'Aussie connection' over the years and Williams is keen to cement Australia's reputation at the Riverside.

"I am happy to be following in the footsteps of such great players who have all done well here," he said.

"Middlesbrough is a family type of club and Aussies seem to feel at home here."