Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson isn't surprised by the plaudits coming the way of skipper Fabricio Coloccini.

Williamson has witnessed at close hand the continuing emergence of a man who is building a reputation as a ball-playing centre-half.

He said: "Colo does it and he is probably one of the calmest players I have ever played with in terms of coming out with the ball and his vision and his passing ability - he has got a lot in his armoury.

"Looking at players like David Luiz and people who try to come out, sometimes it can cause problems.

"But for me, I am just a straightforward English defender. I try to head it, kick it, keep clean sheets and let other players play."