TONY MOWBRAY insists Rhys Williams is happy with life on Teesside but it is up to Middlesbrough to prove they can fulfil his Premier League dreams.

Mowbray was disappointed with comments that surfaced while the player was on international duty in Australia, with the Boro boss criticising "the advisors" surrounding the versatile defender.

Williams is out of contract in 18 months time and Middlesbrough are keen to tie him down to a long term deal sooner rather than later, with the 23-year-old reluctant to commit at this stage.

The Aussie, who graduated through the ranks at the club's Rockliffe Park training headquarters, was quoted stating he would have to have a "serious look around" if Middlesbrough did not get back in to the Premier League.

But Williams contacted his boss from Down Under before the comments came out to warn him, with Mowbray left satisfied that his player remains committed to delivering in a Boro shirt.

"I put the blame at his advisors in the world we live in," said Mowbray. "Whenever I sit and talk to him he tells me he likes playing for Middlesbrough.

"He text me to tell me about those comments coming out and he wanted me to know the comments had not come from him. He told me that he enjoyed playing for Middlesbrough."

Mowbray is realistic to know that guiding Middlesbrough back to the top-flight could be key in his determination to retain the services of Williams.

The Australian international has previously interested Bolton and West Ham and his manager will attempt over the next few months to convince him to extend his stay.

"We understand the contractual situation and we are in a difficult situation with it," said Mowbray, knowing the terms of the new deal offered to Williams will be significantly higher if Middlesbrough go up.

"It doesn't help any of us when the speculation is out there via his advisors. The boy just needs to settle down an play football to the best of his ability.

"I hope staying here would be his first choice. He is not a boy who has played hundreds of matches. In my opinion he needs to play regularly, get a feel for his own benefit and where he feels he is comfortable."

Mowbray sees Williams, who has been operating as a midfielder more often than not, as a central defender capable of playing in a variety of positions ‘like England's Phil Jones'.

Williams trained with the rest of the Middlesbrough squad yesterday and, barring any set-backs today, is likely to start against Blackpool at the Riverside tomorrow.

There were concerns over his fitness after he hobbled out of Australia's World Cup qualifying defeat to Oman a week ago with a knee problem, but he was then among the substitutes against Thailand on Tuesday.

"Rhys wouldn't have trained had there been a problem and he would not have been on the bench for Australia if there was either," said Mowbray. "I will keep an eye on him, more for the lethargy bit.

"It's not just the 27 hours in the air, it's probably the three hours waiting for the flight and everything that goes with it, like landing at Heathrow and getting back up north. I will assess how he looks."

There are also no problems for either Barry Robson or Tarmo Kink, who have both reported back to training feeling no ill effects from international duty with Scotland and Estonia respectively.

And there has also been encouraging news on the injury front, with Kevin Thomson and Justin Hoyte both returning to light training and they are expected to be in contention inside two weeks.

With the squad shaping up well, Mowbray is unlikely to be rushing in to the loan market before the deadline for emergency deals closes on next Thursday. He is hoping to secure short term deals for some of Middlesbrough's younger players.

"There could be a few players going out on loan," he said. "As for incomings, I am not sitting waiting for a call. I am reasonably comfortable with the numbers we have got.

"It will be about changing things around when the opportunity comes up. The lads not in the team have to keep working hard and be ready to take their chance. I don't necessarily need to add to the squad as it stands."

* Middlesbrough host The Football League's Family Football Festival tomorrow.

There will be activities to enjoy before, during and after the match including a Superheroes themed fancy dress competition, face-painting, exciting half-time entertainment and a chance to escort the players on to the pitch.

To purchase tickets for the match, call the ticket hotline on 0844 4991234.