Mike Williamson wants to retain Newcastle United place

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has said that he wants to keep captain Fabricio Coloccini out of the team.

The 30-year-old has helped the team to victories over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in their last two matches while Coloccini has been out of action with a groin injury.

Williamson hopes that manager Alan Pardew will not change a winning team.

"The manager has openly said he is going to keep a winning team. That can only carry on and is a good thing," Williamson told the Northern Echo.

"Colo is a fantastic player, a great leader and club captain. It is nice to be playing, but it can all change week to week and I'm sure he will be back at some stage.

"I have to make sure I stay in there."

Newcastle host Norwich City on Saturday.