Pardew’s got the inside track on Newcastle

The defender and his team-mates are looking to claim a SEVENTH successive away victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tonight.

But Williamson – who played under Pardew for four years at St James’s Park – feels former Newcastle manager’s in-depth knowledge of John Carver’s team gives him an edge.

And it’s up to United to counter that by raising their game, according to Williamson.

“He was fantastic with me,” Williamson said.

“He was always very honest, and that’s all you can ask for as a player.

“I think he did a great job up here under some difficult circumstances at times.

“It’ll be nice to see him. He’ll have a lot of insight about us, so we’ve got to make sure we turn up and everyone’s on their game.

“Both teams will be desperate to take the three points. It’s always a good atmosphere down there.

“The lads are looking forward to it.”

Williamson, 31, was in the United side denied a Premier League victory by a 90th-minute goal from Stoke City’s Peter Crouch on Sunday.

With United leading 1-0, Crouch struck to claim a point for the visitors.

Carver was furious at the headed goal, which had come after Newcastle had sloppily given away possession.

“The lads are gutted,” said Williamson. “It’s hard to take when you don’t take the three points in the manner we did.

“It was a tough game, but we felt we defended well all game.

“It came from our possession. It was mistakes on our part.

“When he gets in that position, he’s fantastic in the air.

“He’s done that his whole career.

“It’s still very hard to take considering the chances we created and how well we defended.

“There are a lot of positives to take from our performance.”

Fit-again defender Paul Dummett, an unused substitute against Stoke, is pushing for a recall at Selhurst Park.