WILLIAMS GLAD TO BE GIVEN CENTRAL ROLE...
DERRICK Williams always had faith in his own ability after making the switch from full-back to the centre of Blackburn’s defence.
The 26-year-old, who was hampered by injuries in pre-season, asked Rovers manager Tony Mowbray if he would consider playing him at centre-back.
Mowbray agreed, and Williams has helped his side keep four clean sheets in five Sky Bet Championship matches ahead of Saturday’s clash with Reading.
“You have to believe in yourself and I’ve always had that,” Williams said. “I always knew I’d be a better centre-half, it was just about making that leap.
“It was eating away at me and I didn’t want to think ‘what if I’d said I only want to be a centre-half ’ 10 years down the line.
“I had a chat with the gaffer and although it’s early doors I really want to take it further.”
Williams feels the change in role has given him a new lease of life, and he added: “I feel like I’m playing well and my confidence is high.
“I know what I want and I’m so driven for it now. I want to keep this level of performance up and to try and get better every day.
“Why am I more driven? I don’t know whether it’s because of my newborn child or not, but it’s always been there, I’ve felt.
“I know this is just the start and it’s about doing it day in, day out to earn the rewards.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Holtby is confident he will fit in well at Ewood Park after joining on a two-year deal this week.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who was a free agent after leaving Hamburg, said: “I’m just happy to get a new challenge at what is a very warm club.
“I’ve got a really good feeling that the link will go very well.
“The values of the club and mine, they link well together.”