Middlesbrough utility man Rhys Williams has handed manager Tony Mowbray a huge boost by signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 23-year-old Australia international, who has attracted attention from a host of Premier League clubs in recent months, has opted to remain at the Riverside Stadium after starring in Boro's Championship promotion bid this season.

Williams said: "I've always said I wanted to stay. I'm happy here and that's the main thing. I'm settled and get on well with the manager and the lads.

"I've no reason to leave, except for my dream of playing in the Premier League - and I want to get there with his club.

"My fiancie has settled here, I know the town and have a lot of friends here. I couldn't be happier, to be honest."

Perth-born Williams, who has played in both defence and midfield for the Teessiders, joined the club as a 16-year-old scholar and progressed through the Academy to the first team.