NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Danny Guthrie believes the feelgood factor around the club has helped him slot straight back into first team action.

In the absence of midfield dynamo Cheik Tiote, Guthrie has started the Magpies' last two games against Stoke City and Everton, which both ended in wins.

It's been a welcome return for the 24-year-old, whose future was in serious doubt at the start of the season.

With his current deal at St James' Park set to run out next summer, Guthrie was highly tipped to leave, having fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Tiote and Yohan Cabaye.

Niggling injuries have not helped the former Liverpool man's situation, but impressive displays in his last two starts have awarded him high praise from Alan Pardew, and the Magpies boss is now ready to offer the 24-year-old a new long-term deal.

Guthrie, who has yet to discuss the possibility of a new deal, admits he is just happy to be back in the picture after a nightmare year.

"There's a great feeling in the city at the moment, I think, not just the changing room. Long may that continue," he said.

Appearing on behalf of the Newcastle United Foundation at the opening of a new all-weather pitch at Jesmond's Church High Girls School, he added: "I've had a torrid time with injuries in the past year, so it's been really nice to get back into the side.

"You can try not to put too much pressure on yourself when you come into the side but you have to step up to the plate. Stoke away's not the easiest place to come in for your first start of the season!

"I got injured in pre-season so I've always been playing catch-up. Once I got fit and played a couple of reserve games I felt I was ready.

"It's terrible when you don't get a proper pre-season. You can do your own pre-season with the physios but you're forever playing catch-up and it's really difficult.

"I was trying to do too much and picking up little niggling injuries but I've found a level now."

With competition for places in midfield healthier than ever Guthrie knows he will have to impress if he wants to keep his place.

Cabaye, in particular, has been a revelation since signing from Lille in the summer. Guthrie admits the French international has settled into Tyneside life quickly and believes the positive atmosphere in the dressing room is a major reason behind the side's unbeaten start.

He said: "Cabaye's a top player and a top lad so it makes him easy to play with.

"He's well liked in the dressing room. Everyone knows we lost some big personalities in the summer, but everyone gets on well with everyone else and that's one of the reasons we've had such a good start.

"He's still learning English but we can have a conversation."