DANNY GUTHRIE has been delighted with the addition of new faces to the Newcastle United squad that has bolstered Chris Hughton’s resources.

Despite the Magpies’ impressive start to life in the Championship, the shallowness of the squad led to concerns that they could struggle to maintain their position as early season pace-setters.

However, the arrival of Marlon Harewood and Zurab Khizanishvili following Danny Simpson’s loan switch to St James’ Park has offered the manager much-needed cover with the likes of Shola Ameobi, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton sidelined.

Guthrie has been particularly impressed by Harewood, who has added the type of muscular presence the Newcastle forward line had been lacking.

“They’ve made a big difference.

They’ve all played recently and done really well.

Marlon’s the newest and you can see what he brings. He’s a different option. He’s big, strong, he’s got good pace and he can score goals. Danny Simpson’s done great at rightback and Khizanishvili looks a good player,” said Guthrie.

“Marlon (Harewood) brings us something different and I think that’s important.

We’ve used Andy and Nile recently and they’ve both done really well. They’re both really strong lads, as is Shola, who did really well at the start of the season. But he’s injured now and we needed someone else. Marlon’s a bit different because he gives you that option in behind. I think that’s what we needed.”

Newcastle’s position at the top of the Championship table is attracting interest from Premier League clubs with Sunderland being linked with Enrique, while Bolton boss Gary Megson is reportedly preparing a £2m bid to sign Alan Smith.