Williamson's top flight debut came at Wayne Rooney's Manchester United

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson believes the club's impressive home form will be key to their Premier League ambitions.

The Magpies were unbeaten at St James' Park all of last season and Williamson knows they must strive to recreate that form again in the top flight.

"It's paramount for teams to come here and for us to make it a fortress," Williamson told BBC Newcastle.

"We've got to play our good football and impose our game on other teams."

Williamson was part of the Newcastle United side that were beaten 3-0 in their Premier League opener by last season's runners-up Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

And it was a bittersweet experience for the former Portsmouth, Watford and Wycombe defender, who stepped out at Premier League level for the first time in his career.

"To make my Premier League debut was an unbelievable achievement for myself personally," Williamson added.

"I knew coming to any Premier League club, especially a club the size of Newcastle, there was going to be very healthy competition and I enjoy because it because it inspires you and makes you work harder.

"Being around the influences of Sol Campbell and Fabricio Coloccini is only going to benefit me in the long term, it's all good day in day out as I've learned something different."

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