Williams still hopeful for Asian Cup
Injury-ravaged West Australian Rhys Williams is refusing to give up on playing in January's Asian Cup.
The Socceroos defender has yet to appear for English Championship side Middlesbrough this season after suffering a run of injuries, including a ruptured Achilles, which ruled him out of this year's World Cup finals in Brazil in June.
The 26-year-old hopes to be back in contention for promotion-chasing Boro before Christmas and is still hoping to squeeze into Ange Postecoglou's squad for the Asian Cup, which will be held in Australia.
“I have pencilled in a reserve game in mid-December and after that anything is possible. If the coach (Aitor Karanka) wants me, then I will be available," he told the SBS webiste.
On selection for the Asian Cup, he said: "That’s something I need to talk to Ange about. Ultimately it's his decision.
"I haven't spoken with him for a little while. I do talk to the Socceroos physios from time to time and I will have to call them and give them an update.
"I have missed a lot of football and I will be nowhere near the stage all the other boys will be at and that has to come into consideration.
"My game time over the last 10 months has been nothing, so time will tell and we will see what happens. The first thing I need to do is force my back in for Middlesbrough."
