RHYS WILLIAMS is hoping appearances for Australia in the next fortnight will help to maintain his fitness levels ahead of a return to pre-season training with Middlesbrough.

Williams is expected to play in Saturdays friendly with Denmark, who are preparing for Euro 2012, and also in two World Cup qualifiers with Oman and Japan next month.

His outings will help him build up his match fitness levels after missing a significant chunk of last seasons Championship run-in with ankle ligament damage.

When Middlesbrough missed out on securing a play-off place on the final day at Watford last month, Williams had only just returned from his lengthy lay-off.

And, knowing he had the potential of being called up by his country, Williams was keen to ensure he did not allow his fitness levels to dip ahead of joining up with Australia - even if he has enjoyed the break from the training ground.

"Ive just been spending time with my fiancee and taking the dogs out during the day," he said. "Ive been running to keep my fitness up but I havent had to do that much because of all the games Ive got coming up, so Ive just had my feet up a lot of the time.

"There was no point in going back to Australia, Ive got my missus and two dogs so I can't really leave them, so I've just been chilling. I've got another three or four weeks until I finish playing football and I'll be heading home after those games."

Aussie coach Holger Osieck will trim a 26-man squad down to 23 for the trip to Oman on June 8 and then Japan in Brisbane on June 12. Williams, though, looks a certainty to be involved after his coachs recent admission that he views him as his teams right-back.

The Middlesbrough defender, who is equally effective in midfield, said: "He does see me as a right-back. As long as I'm involved, thats all I can ask for. There are lots of quality players throughout the squad, so I'm delighted just to be involved."

The arrival of Grant Leadbitter at Middlesbrough from Ipswich Town has helped fill the void vacated by Barry Robson, who has joined the Vancouver Whitecaps.

With a number of other midfielders targeted by Tony Mowbray, the Middlesbrough boss would prefer to play Williams as a composed centre-back rather than through the middle.

Firstly he is keen to recharge after a largely frustrating season as he looks to help Middlesbrough back to the Premier League - even if he is unable to head Down Under and see more of his family.

Williams said: "Me and my fiancee are here and my family are back home in Australia and it would be brilliant to be able to go home and spend more time with them and to enjoy the weather.

"But I enjoy being here as well. I met my fiancee in Perth but she's actually a Geordie and this is home for us now. There'll be plenty of time to think about moving back home when my playing career is over."