Brendan Rodgers says Mike Williamson’s transfer to Watford is a good move for both parties, with the defender describing his switch from Wycombe Wanderers as a "great opportunity".

The Hornets boss said he needed to bring in a centre half of stature and experience and the capture of 6ft 3 Williamson yesterday, for an undisclosed fee, seems to have filled that void.

Rodgers 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."

He added: "I feel at the 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. Its a good move for Mike too as it is an opportunity to come to a wonderful club.

"At 25-years-of-age Mike has got experience, he is 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."

The Stoke-born defender started his career at Torquay United before moving to Southampton for £100,000 in 2003.

The 25-year-old was unable to break into the first team and after a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, the move was made permanent in 2005.

The Chairboys have been flying high at the top of League Two but Williamson said he was keen to test himself at Championship level.

He said: "Watford were willing to give me the opportunity to come and play and I want to test myself at this standard.

"It’s a great opportunity for myself - the location of the club is right for me, it’s got a great history as well so I’m pleased to be here.

"My time at Wycombe was very enjoyable if not a bit disappointing at times, in that we just missed out on the play offs and promotion, which were obviously our targets there.

"But this year has been going for them and they’re hoping to maintain that for the rest of the season, being six points clear. I hope they go on and get promotion.

"I’ve got a lot of friends down there which I’ll be keeping in contact with, I was there for five years so they’re my close friends."