Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams is looking to stay in the first team after a 10-month absence with injury.

The 22-year old Australian midfielder/defender had not played for 'Boro since April 24 2010 before he returned to action in the March 5 loss to Reading at Madejski Stadium.

Williams was struck down with groin/pelvis problems towards the end of last season, forcing him out of the Australian World Cup squad, but has worked his way back with two full games against Derby County and Portsmouth following the Reading return.

But he knows all too well that he is not going to take this for granted as it is the type of injury that can hit at any time.

"It's been like a horror film," he told the club's official website.

"I've had ups and downs, plenty of them, but I'm back now and keeping myself fit. The aim is to get this season over with, rest in the summer and kick on.

"That was undoubtedly a low," he said of missing the World Cup. "But from that I have grown and become stronger, mentally as well as physically.

"I waited for the day when I could come back and it was special when I did. I draw strength from getting through those dark days.

"I think I have come back at the right time and I'm feeling okay. I'm not going to play all 10 games that are left because of my injury management. But I'd like to play in as many as I can, then come back and give it a right good go next season."

Williams and his 'Boro teammates are currently preparing for Saturday's Riverside Stadium clash with 11th-placed Watford. The Teessiders are sitting 20th, six points above the relegation zone.