BE OUR MIDDLE MAN; Boss challenges Williams to make midfield slot his own: Challenge to rising star Rhys.

Byline: ERIC PAYLOR ; ANTHONY VICKERS

GARETH Southgate today challenged Aussie all-rounder Rhys Williams to make a niche for himself in midfield.

In fact Southgate believes that Williams has the talent to carry on where Matthew Bates left off.

Both are Academy players who have been pushed forward from defence, and both have good engines which are perfectly suited to the midfield role.

Southgate said: "There's a opportunity for Rhys. I thought he was one of our better players against Sheffield United.

"Obviously there are similarities between him and Matthew Bates, though I would say Rhys looks a little bit more composed in the position.

"He also offers a little more going forward.

"Rhys was a midfield player when he was a youngster so it's not a strange position for him.

"Matthew is very strong in the position, but Rhys made some fantastic tackles against Sheffield United and with his height, he can influence things in the air.

"If he continues to keep his game simple then he can make an impact there."

Williams looked completely happy in midfield against the Blades and must have a great chance of hanging on to the job at Swansea City on Saturday.

With Bates awaiting a cruciate operation and Didier Digard having scans on a suspected groin tear today, there are opportunities for Williams to establish himself in centre midfield.

The 20-year-old Aussie international said: "I've played in midfield loads when I was back at home but when I came here I didn't think I was good enough.

"The standard was far higher here than in Australia - so I dropped to right back and concentrated on that.

"But I am happy to play in midfield. If that is what I am asked to do for the team then I'll do it. I am confident I can do a job there. And I am enjoying it there." Williams played half a season on loan at Burnley last term, albeit at right-back, so already knows what life in the Championship is all about. He said: "Being at Burnley and having had a taste of the Championship I think it gives me a massive advantage going into this season. "I know what it is about, how teams play and how aggressive it is. "This weekend I don't think it will be as aggressive and maybe we will get to play a bit more but it will still be very tough as Swansea are a strong side. "But we'll go there to try to win it.

The whole dressing room is focused on trying to win promotion this season." At the same time, Williams is not counting his chickens. He said: "I haven't set any personal targets for what I expect this season. "I just want to play my best and try to keep my place and show what I can do. When you get a chance you have to take it." Many fans were disappointed not to see Boro take all three points on Friday, but Williams reckons it was a positive start. He said: "Sheff United is probably the biggest test we will face in this league.

"Tackles were flying in and it was a tough game. But the lads came through it and I thought we did all right. "This week, if we put in a similar display at Swansea, then hopefully we'll come away with the three points. "A few of the boys didn't know how hard this league is but they will know now."

CAPTION(S):

IMPRESSIVE: Rhys Williams in action against the Blades, above SEIZING HIS CHANCE: Rhys Williams, pictured, is following in Matthew Bates' footsteps