By Craig Hope

CHRIS Hughton praised the composure of debutant Mike Williamson following his flawless bow during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Thrown a first senior start in more than five months, the 6ft 4ins centre-back showed no signs of fatigue as he glided through what was a testing introduction to black-and-white life.

And such was Williamson's poise and assurance at the heart of a backline that, at times, was forced to endure heavy Palace pressure, the new boy landed the sponsors' man-of-the-match prize - an award which, according to boss Hughton, was thoroughly deserved.

"It was a very good debut from him and I think the man of the match was deserved," said the Toon chief.

"He was composed and was very good in the air and I'm delighted for him.

"You've got to remember that he hasn't played a senior game for a while so that would have been tough.

"But he didn't look tired or unfit and I was very pleased with how he settled straight in having only been here a very short period."