Newcastle United midfielder Danny Guthrie admits he has big ambitions.

As he battles to make himself indispensable at St James' Park, the experience he gained at both clubs has proved invaluable - and he admits he has never been short of people to look up to.

Guthrie said: "When I was growing up, the top midfielders were the Keanes and the (Patrick) Vieiras, and the Gerrards and the (Frank) Lampards were coming through.

"They are the top players, and I still look up to players like that.

"The aim is to be up there being mentioned in the same breath as them."

Guthrie knows he is setting his sights high - but having seen Gerrard emerge through the ranks at Anfield to establish himself among the very best, it is a journey he knows is achievable.

He said: "When I was growing up, he was in the position I am in now - and he has turned out to be one of the best midfielders in the world.

"You can look at that and think 'maybe in six, seven years, you could be up there as well'."