RECALLED midfielder Danny Guthrie says he is in no rush to push for a new Newcastle contract – as United breathe a sigh of relief over one of their experienced stars.

After a two-day break United will return to work today boosted by news that striker Shola Ameobi would appear to have a chance of making it for the Manchester United game in six days.

Swelling on the knee injury sustained in training before the weekend has gone down and The Journal understands the club are now hopeful that unless he suffers another setback he will recover in time for the Red Devils clash. He was due to have a scan on the injury yesterday. While the club are understandably cautious not to push Ameobi they are also down to the bare bones from an attacking point of view and could use someone of his experience and know how as they look for the one win that would conclusively seal their Premier League survival.

Injury niggles to senior men have been a persistent problem since Christmas and while it has left Alan Pardew frustrated it has opened the door to the likes of Guthrie, who is coming to the end of his contract at Newcastle. He has 12 months left on his deal but unlike José Enríque and Joey Barton, there has been no negotiations with the club as yet.

There were suggestions of a move to Championship promotion chasers Nottingham Forest last month but nothing materialised. Although eager for regular first team football to push his career on Guthrie insists he is happy with his contractual situation as he looks to make the most of a prolonged run in his preferred central midfield role.