Williamson boost for Newcastle

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson managed to play 45 minutes for the club’s reserves on Tuesday as he bids to return to full fitness.

Williamson has been out of action since damaging his ankle in the League Cup tie against Scunthorpe in August, but the former Watford man appears to have picked a good time to make his return after playing in the reserves’ 1-1 draw with Bolton.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew is currently short for numbers in the centre of defence with Steven Taylor ruled out for the season, while Fabricio Coloccini is also struggling with a knock, but Williamson was just glad to spend some time back on the pitch.

Speaking to Newcastle’s official website, Williamson said: “I feel completely fine. That was the plan – to play 45, to get myself back in and try and get the cobwebs out and then train on Thursday and Friday.”

“It reminded me of what I’ve been missing. It was good and I enjoyed it.”

“It was great to get the boots back on and now that I’m back, hopefully I can just get fitter.”

“Injuries are frustrating but it’s just part and parcel of football.”

“It has been really good to see the team doing so well and enjoying the plaudits that they deserve for working so hard.”

Although desperate to get back to first-team football, the Torquay United youth product insists he won’t rush back to action in the risk of aggravating his injury.

“I’ll accelerate it as quickly as possible,” he said.

“But not to the detriment of anything.”

“But my knee and ankle are completely fine now, so it’s just about getting the minutes under my belt and as much fitness and running as I can.”