The Newcastle United midfielder makes his comeback from a three-game suspension against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Guthrie was dismissed in last month's St James's Park fixture for a wild lunge at Fagan, which broke his leg and led to talk of Hull taking legal action against the ex-Liverpool man.

The 21-year-old has apologised to the striker, who faces several months on the sidelines.

And Kinnear insists Guthrie's head is no longer down, and he is ready to help his team-mates get back to winning ways on Merseyside. He said: "I get the feeling from the players that Danny's head was down for a little while.

"But he's bright and very athletic. He's a box-to-box player. He's a bundle of tricks, and very enthusiastic. He's very bubbly, and a bit like Joey Barton, and it's certainly a plus getting him back."

Guthrie added: "I regret what I did and I've apologised to the player. You have to learn from these things, and I won't be doing it again."

As well as Guthrie, Kinnear also hopes to have full-backs Jose Enrique and Habib Beye available after four games out.

He said: "Fingers crossed, if we have the two full-backs available, and Danny, we're halfway there in getting the best XI out.

"We've suffered through playing four centre-halves. It's difficult to keep moving people around and get the organisation right.

"Hopefully, Enrique will be back. Habib Beye has his first training session today, and Danny is back.

"I just hope after the international break, one or two more come back for the Man City match.

"They keep telling me about Jonas (Gutierrez), who has been outstanding by all accounts. Everybody misses him, but he may be back for the Man City match."