Source: PA
Williams speaks of World Cup heartbreak
Middlesbrough utility man Rhys Williams is preparing to return to Teesside hungrier than ever after having his World Cup dreams dashed by injury.
The 22-year-old Australia international missed out on a trip to South Africa because of a persistent pelvic problem and has spent the time since undergoing rehabilitation in the southern hemisphere under the watchful eye of renowned specialist physiotherapist Anthony Hogan.
Williams told the club's official website: "It was heartbreaking to tell the truth. To miss out on what is the biggest tournament in anyone's life was really hard to take at first.
"Saying that, if I did go with my health and fitness not at 100% I really feel I couldn't perform to my maximum and really didn't want to let myself and both the managers down.
"In the long run I think it may have been a blessing in that I'm even hungrier and more driven to help my country get to the next one and hopefully have a more influential role."
Williams is due back at Boro's Rockliffe Park training headquarters on Monday to begin his bid for a return to action in earnest.
