Wolves new boy Mike Williamson relishing derby debut

New signing Mike Williamson is relishing being thrown into the heat of a West Midlands derby at St Andrew's tomorrow.

The Newcastle centre-half moved to Molineux on an emergency 28-day loan yesterday to plug the gap left by the injured duo of Kortney Hause and Ethan Ebanks-Landell.

Aged 31, the 6ft 4in former Wycombe Wanderers and Watford defender also adds much-needed experience to a back-line that has conceded nine goals in just three matches.

And Williamson is well used to big games having featured in Tyne-Wear derbies, a Europa League quarter-final and crucial Premier League encounters as part of a Newcastle side that finished fifth in the top flight in 2012.

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"The bigger the game the better for me, it's fantastic," Williamson said ahead of the Blues clash. "Derbies in any area are always a special occasion and slightly more than just three points on the line.

"I relish the pressure of going straight in and hopefully we can get a positive result."

Williamson reportedly turned down a loan move to Preston North End last month. But with his first-team chances at St James' Park limited to just two Capital One Cup appearances, the defender has now opted to move elsewhere for some much-needed game time.

"I haven't worked personally with the manager, but I've heard a lot of good things about him," Williamson said of Kenny Jackett. "I hope I can show my experience and that can benefit the team and we can get some results. Wolves have got some fantastic players, I've seen already in training, I think similar to any team, a bit of confidence at the right time and we can push forward.

"It's a great opportunity for me to learn and experience a new culture and a new way of doing things.

"It can be difficult (not playing), very frustrating. All of us have got an in-built desire to succeed and do well. That's why we play. It's frustrating when you're not part of it but you've got to keep working, you never know what's round the corner."

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Jackett expressed his delight at securing the defender's services for a month to help ease his injury crisis.

"We're very pleased, particularly when you're looking at the injuries we've got in that particular area," Jackett said.

"He has a good pedigree, he's a good player and has experience of the Championship and the Premier League.

"Speaking to Steve McClaren and Paul Simpson at Newcastle, he's been just outside the (matchday) 18 but wanting to get on and play, as all players do, and wanting the opportunity to go out and get first-team football because he hasn't quite been able to get in Newcastle's side so far.

"He's got no problems with fitness. He hasn't had many games but has done all the training and is physically fit. He's ready and available for selection."