Newcastle defender Mike Williamson is hoping for a return to the defensive resilience which characterised their start to the season. Alan Pardew's men recorded their first clean sheet in six games in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Norwich, and Williamson wants more of the same in the Magpies are to qualify for Europe next season.

The 28-year-old former Portsmouth stopper said: "It's one of those, it's the unpredictability of football.

"All you can do is prepare well and apply yourself 100%.

"Of course it has been frustrating to concede goals - that's the main frustration for a defender - but I am sure it will turn around."

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