Reading midfielder Danny Guthrie admits he had to quit Newcastle United in the summer.

Guthrie, 25, played 104 times for the Magpies but had to get away after manager Alan Pardew refused to pick him no matter how well he played.

Former England Under-21 star Guthrie said: "I had a period last season when I was playing some of the best football of my career.

"Then someone would come back from injury and take my place. That was very difficult, very frustrating.

"The manager was always straight with me but I knew I had to get away.

"I left amicably but I'd love to get our first win of the season - it would be special to beat my old team."