Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has insisted that defender Mike Williamson has 'never let him down' during his time at the club.

Williamson did not make his first appearance of the season until September 25, but since coming into the side, Pardew has admitted that he has been impressed with his performances.

The 52-year-old reporters: "There have been times where I have looked past him for other players, but he has always handled that well and whenever I have put him in, he has never let me down.

"His stature, particularly at set-plays, gives us a slight advantage where we have a slight disadvantage without him.

"I think that he has grown as a player - centre-halves do, they get better with age. I think that he has got better since I have been here and that has been reflected in some of his performances."

Williamson is expected to start Sunday's North-East derby with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.