Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton says Mike Williamson is proving himself Premiership class.

Williamson learnt his trade in the lower leagues with Torquay and Wycombe Wanderer.

"It is early days, but Mike Williamson has been terrific so far," Hughton told The Journal.

"He has had to wait for this chance to play in the Premier League and he has had some frustrations along the way. There is always going to be a question mark about any player who has not played at that particular level before, but he has done very well in our first three games.

"We always felt he was someone who could make that step up, but you don't know for certain. It's the same with any player.

"But he is a very good defender and he has shown that so far. I think he has probably been one of our best players so far and that is down to him."