Mike Williamson is prepared to fight for his place at Newcastle United.

Laid-back Williamson is not usually one for fighting talk but he says he will not surrender his starting place without a serious battle.

"The manager is going to try to strengthen in all areas and centre-half is going to be one of them," he told The Journal.

"The fact is I've already got Steven Taylor and Colo - and there's a few young lads who are coming through. That is the competition and is big competition but it will bring out the best in me.

"I feel that I'm an established Premier League player now. I've felt like that since the first season I got under my belt, now it is about progressing and showing I can get better and hopefully be a key player. I'm looking forward to another campaign and what it might bring."