BRENDAN Rodgers has explained his reasons behind signing Wycombe's Mike Williamson, a player he hopes will help steady his defence and become a leading centre half.

The Stoke-born defender joined up with his team mates yesterday after moving to the Hornets for an undisclosed fee.

It was an area that Rodgers was actively looking to recruit in and he was pleased to get his man.

He said: "I think first of all we need defensive cover, if you look at our goals against record we've conceded 50 goals in the league,  you've got absolutely no chance of doing anything if you do that.

"We've looked at various combinations and I just feel we need that stature in the middle of our defence, as a number one centre half. Mike has come highly recommended too."

Along with his obvious talent, there is something else that the manager is after in all of his players, quite simply they have to have the hunger to want to succeed.

He added: "In the last few years we've seen players moving up from the lower levels who are hungry, committed and have qualities but just need that opportunity.

The defender at Watford's London Colney training ground

"I feel at that moment it is the need of the squad to get someone in who is a number one centre half, who can attack it [the ball] and be aggressive. It's a good move for Mike too as it's an opportunity to come to a wonderful club.

"At 25-years-of-age Mike has got experience, he's at a good age where his best years are ahead of him and he can come here, work and develop. It's a great move for him and a good one for us too."

While Rodgers doesn't have millions at his disposal, unlike some other sides in the Championship, he was hinted that purchasing and developing players from the lower leagues is high on his radar.

He commented: "We don't have big money to buy and pay a lot of money for players; I'm confident enough that when the right players do become available, that we can bring them here.

"I'm a coach that develops players, I'm not one that always wants the ready made article.

"I like to help people develop, there's other players like that as well, for me its important to have not only quality, but hunger. Players who come up from a lower level are hungry and that's what we need to succeed."

Williamson has been given squad number 24.

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