Ex-county ace Guthrie joins Toon

Newcastle have completed the signing of former Shropshire schoolboy Danny Guthrie from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Bolton, has penned a four-year deal at St James' Park.

"I'm really happy to be joining Newcastle United," said former Thomas Telford School student Guthrie.

"I'm ready to get involved straight away and I cannot wait to meet the boys and get started."

Guthrie, who only made a handful of appearances for Liverpool after coming through the ranks, is Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan's second summer signing following the capture of Jonas Gutierrez.

Keegan said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've got Danny.

"He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level. He's at the right age and is a good signing for us."

Guthrie, whose family live in Donnington Wood in Telford, has Champions League experience with Liverpool and also captained England at under 17 level after representing his country at other age groups.

He also had a spell on loan at Southampton in the 2006/7 season and played for Bolton in their Uefa Cup campaign last term.