The 21-year-old has been training with his team-mates on Tyneside since completing his move from Liverpool last week and is relishing the prospect of fighting his way into contention for the opening Barclays Premier League match with Manchester United.

He is well aware of the club's wait for a trophy, which now extends to 39 years, but says that is no reason not to aim high.

few years

Asked about his ambitions, Guthrie said: "For me, just to get as many games as I can. For the team, if we get a good start, I don't think Europe is out of the way for us with the players we have.

"The manager has had a good pre-season to get who he wants in and the players are really working hard in training. A European place is realistic. It's notorious, everyone knows we have under-achieved for a few years, so to break into Europe or have a cup run would be amazing."