Is Guthrie the new Rob Lee?

Jul 27 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

KEVIN KEEGAN breathe easy, new boy Danny Guthrie has vowed to live up to the Newcastle boss’s billing of him as the new Robert Lee.

Actually, Keegan saddled his previously unsung new boy with a comparison with Paul Bracewell too. But that’s harking back a bit far for a lad just turned 21.

Being likened with the midfielder, who drove the Magpies forward during their “Entertainers” era is more than enough for Guthrie to cope with.

But cope with it he shall.

Intimidated? Not a lad who certain high-profile members of Liverpool’s first team believe should never have been allowed to leave Anfield.

“I don’t feel any added pressure because what of the gaffer said. Far from it,” said Guthrie. “It was a big boost for me so soon after arriving.

“You want to be your own player anyway — I want people to talk about me on my own merits — but it was nice to hear him say it and a confidence boost.

“I remember Robert Lee very well. He was a big part of a lot of great games for Newcastle — not just the 4-3s against Liverpool but against Manchester United as well.”

Having been with Manchester United’s Academy before signing for Liverpool at 15, the two North West giants loom large in Shrewsbury-born Guthrie’s life.

So it’s little wonder that he is as excited about gauging himself against a current Newcastle stalwart as he is against past masters Lee and Bracewell.

“Nicky Butt’s a player I’ve always admired,” he added. “He’s done everything there is to do at club level and been a great England player too.

“It’s a massive thrill to be training and, hopefully, playing alongside him. It’s pinch myself time really, because everything has happened so fast.”

A touch of shin splints — which has caused him to miss the odd training session but is expected to ease as the shock of returning for pre-season subsides — is the only thing to slow Guthrie down in his first fortnight on Tyneside since a whirlwind move.

“There had been something in the pipeline for a while, but when it was finally confirmed that Newcastle definitely wanted me, it all came about very quickly after that.

“As a result, my girlfriend and me are still in a hotel room, staring at the same four walls, which isn’t ideal. But we’re hoping to start renting a house soon.

“And football-wise, I couldn’t have settled in any better. The lads have been fantastic and the atmosphere and spirit is spot on.

“I can’t wait to get started for real here.”