Now the midfielder – who joined Newcastle United last week – believes he can play on the European stage with his new club.

Guthrie made his first star for Liverpool in Galatasaray's intimidating Ali Sami Yen Stadium two seasons ago.

And the 21-year-old was a regular for loan club Bolton in their run to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Newcastle are out of Europe for the second consecutive season, but the Shrewsbury-born player, having seen the quality of Kevin Keegan's squad, is confident they have a chance of finishing among the European places this coming season.

Asked about his hopes for his first campaign at St James's Park, he 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."

Guthrie could make his Newcastle debut away to Hartlepool United on Saturday.

He has been working hard since joining the club in a bid to impress Keegan.

Guthrie told the clubs's official website www.nufc.co.uk: "(Keegan) just said to me, 'Just knuckle down, and you will have as great a chance as anybody in here'.

"It is just about me knuckling down and showing everyone what I can do to get into the starting line-up on the first day."