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Mike Hails 'Strong' Malky
Written by Newcastle Utd
Mike Williamson has played under Cardiff boss Malky Mackay and knows United will need "character" on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Mike Williamson knows just what to expect from Cardiff City this weekend, having played under Bluebirds' boss Malky Mackay earlier in his career.
Mackay was in charge at Watford for two years from June 2009, having stepped up from his role as first-team coach at Vicarage Road, and his time coincided with Williamson's spell in Hertfordshire.
Although it was relatively brief, their period together certainly left an impression on Williamson, who revealed United are in for a gruelling away-day at the Premier League new boys on Saturday.
"Malky is a very organised, strong manager and the way he sets his team out is no different," the centre-back told nufc.co.uk.
"He is a fantastic talker and motivator and I know it is going to be a very tough test of us.
"It is one of those games where we have to go there and show the character we've got, and it will take every ounce of that character to get something from the game."
Newcastle showed that character for 45 minutes at Everton on Monday night, coming from three down at half-time to nearly snatch a draw on Merseyside.
If Williamson takes to the turf at the Cardiff City Stadium, it will be his 100th start for the Magpies, and he is confident he and his teammates have learnt from their mistakes.
"We've been working hard on the training pitch to make sure we get a response for Cardiff," he explained.
"We have taken both the positives and the negatives from Monday's game at Everton; looking at what we can tighten up on, but also focussing on our positive, attacking play.
"We will go there fully confident and knowing we have got enough talent and perseverence to dig out a result."