Mike Williamson admits Newcastle United misses Andy Carroll but looks forward to playing against him

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Newcastle United centre-back Mike Williamson has stated he is relishing the prospect of facing former team-mate Andy Carroll when his side comes up against Liverpool on May 1.

Williamson’s fine form this season has been rewarded as he has started 27 league games, keeping out the experienced Sol Campbell in the process, and the defender is aware that competition in the squad means he cannot afford to slip up.

“My targets are just to play the next game and you cant take anything for granted, and there’s competition in any place I’ve been but here more than anywhere, its fierce, and all over the pitch,” he said.

“It’s no different to the centre halves, we’ve got a lot of talent here, and yeah, it makes me more proud and determined to turn up on Saturday and keep my shirt.”

His side have struggled to fill the strikers position since the departure of Carroll, with Leon Best, Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands rotating the role and Williamson believes Carroll is definitely missed.

“I think on and off the field Carroll has been missed, yeah,” he said. “I think he’s got a lot of good friends here and he was a big character around the place, so yeah, of course you miss him, as a friend more than anything, but I think other players have come in and been given a chance, and have done themselves well.”

He continued: “I’ll be very much looking forward to the Liverpool game and potentially coming up against Andy and, you know, looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Newcastle next face struggling Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

This Saturday Absolute Radio’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Football Live travels to Bloomfield Road for Blackpool v Newcastle. You can tune in every Saturday on Absolute Radio extra – on DAB Digital Radio, 1215AM and online in the UK. Tune in for the full Mike Williamson interview. For more go to www.absoluteradio.co.uk/football