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Rhys Williams’ impressive early season form has revived his World Cup dream.

Skipper Williams has been recalled by Australia as they begin their build-up to next year’s finals in Rio.

The defender was dismayed after being dropped for the final round of qualifiers in the summer after his form dipped in Boro’s woeful end to last term.

But a solid start to the new campaign has put him back in the World Cup picture. Williams, 25, has been included in coach Holger Osieck’s squad for a prestige friendly against Brazil in Brasilia on Saturday, September 7.

Williams, who has 11 caps, missed out on the last World Cup in South Africa with a pelvis injury.

Ex-Boro men Mark Schwarzer, now at Chelsea, and Luke Wilkshire of Dinamo Moscow are also included.

Meanwhile Merouane Zemmama has sent his best wishes on his departure to Morocco.

“Everyone has been fantastic to me since I came here,” he said. “I’m disappointed we didn’t win promotion but hopefully the club can do it soon.”

The midfielder had his deal cancelled by mutual consent in the summer.