We can still go up, says Boro defender Rhys Williams

Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams has missed just two games this season

Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams is confident that promotion remains a realistic aim for the club despite slipping to 10th in the Championship.

Williams achieved promotion from the Championship with Burnley while on loan for the final three months of last season at Turf Moor.

And, with Boro just two points adrift of the play-off zone, he insists that there is time to mount a challenge.

"If you go on a run in this league anything can happen," he told BBC Tees.

"Burnley got promoted and they're doing well now.

"All it takes is a run. Everyone drops points in this league."

The 21-year-old Australian international returned from Turf Moor at the end of last season to find his parent club Middlesbrough had swapped places with Burnley, having been relegated from the Premier League after 10 seasons in the top flight.

Having been persuaded to stay, despite further interest from the Clarets, Williams has become a regular in the Boro first team. And he admits that he is enjoying life at the Riverside since his return - whatever the position.

"I love being involved in the first team," said Williams.

"The squad's good and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"We should be near the top. That's the only difference.

"If the gaffer thinks I'm better at right-back, I don't mind, as long as I play. I'm still in the team and I'm enjoying my football."

Middlesbrough are currently without a win in five matches since the departure of Gareth Southgate.

But, after starting with two defeats, his replacement Gordon Strachan has now earned successive draws in Boro's last two games against Nottingham Forest and Peterborough United.

Williams missed last Saturday's trip to London Road through suspension, after running up five bookings.

But he is back in contention for Saturday's trip to Loftus Road to meet Queens Park Rangers (1500 GMT).