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Rhys Williams is returning to Australia after signing for Perth Glory.

The 27-year-old will be managed by a Teessider in the A-League - Perth's boss is Billingham-born Kenny Lowe.

Lowe, 54, started his career at Hartlepool, also having spells at Scarborough and Darlington, before finishing his playing days at Gateshead.

Williams has described him as a "mentor" since his teenage days.

“I’m very excited to come home to Perth and join Kenny Lowe whom I’ve known for many years. He's been a mentor to me since I was a teenager,” Williams told his new club's website .

"After 11 years in the UK, the opportunity to re-unite with my family and re-join a manager who believes in me and my football is the tonic I need for my career.”

It will be a family affair for Williams as his younger brother Aryn - once of Burnley - is also on the books.

“That’s the bonus for me. I’m not only coming home to re-join my family but Aryn will be there by my side on the training track, day-in day-out. I think that will benefit us both and can only bode well for the rest of the team,” he said.

(Image: © CameraSport)

Williams, a former Boro captain, has been desperately unlucky with injuries during his time on Teesside.

He has been out of action for the majority of the past two seasons with separate Achilles' injuries.

Cruelly, Williams crumbled to the ground in the first minute of his comeback in an FA Cup game at Barnsley in January 2015.

He had suffered a similar injury 12 months earlier against Wigan.

His most recent blow came when he was forced off during an Under-21 game in a March with a suspected cheekbone injury .

Williams has 14 caps for his country and will retain hopes of playing in the 2018 Russia World Cup.