Guthrie completed his move to St James' Park from Liverpool last week and is getting to know his new team-mates in pre-season training.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Bolton, is well aware of the Magpies' 39-year wait for a trophy.

Guthrie believes that manager Kevin Keegan has a squad who can challenge in the upper reaches of the Premier League table and in the cup competitions.

He said: "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, who is understood to have cost the Magpies around £2.5million, is revelling in his chance to make a name for himself at St James' Park after tasting the atmosphere on Tyneside during his spell with the Trotters.

He was in the Wanderers side which spoiled Keegan's homecoming by claiming a 0-0 draw in his first match back at the helm, and cannot wait to experience life on the other side of the fence.

The midfielder said: 'It was the best atmosphere I have ever played in. It was unbelievable. The game was over-shadowed. It was a great day all round.

"It's massive for me. It's a proud moment and there's just so much excitement to get started and get into St James' Park when it's full and feel that as a Newcastle player.

"That will be amazing."