Willo's More Than Willing

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

He could be forgiven for wanting a rest after playing three times in less than a week, but Newcastle defender Mike Williamson wants to play every game possible.

And that includes Wednesday's Capital One Cup third round tie against Manchester United, where Alan Pardew is expected to rest players but still name a strong side against his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Pardew got the better of the legendary Red Devils boss last season, taking four points out of a possible six with a 1-1 draw in Manchester and a memorable 3-0 victory at the Sports Direct Arena.

Williamson played in that win - a game he ranks as his favourite of the previous campaign - and he is eager to pit his wits against the Reds again this week.

"I hope so," he told nufc.co.uk ahead of the trip which could see the return to action of skipper Fabricio Coloccini following his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained with the Argentina national team. 

"Hopefully I will be involved - I want to play as many games as I can.

"We've got some good competition now Colo's back fit so I just want to play every game I can and look forward to the next one."

Having played in last Monday's 2-2 draw against Everton, the former Portsmouth man then helped Newcastle keep clean sheets in the 0-0 draw at Maritimo on Thursday night and Sunday's 1-0 win over Norwich.

And although he admits three games in six days was hard work, Williamson is not the type of player or person to complain.

"It's been tough and there's a lot of travelling involved but I've been loving every minute of it," he said.

"It was an experience playing in the Europa League and hopefully we can pick some more results up in the competition as well and make it a good experience.

"And if we can progress in the Capital One Cup too, even better."

Click here to buy a Newcastle United shirt with Williamson's name and number on the back