Danny Guthrie has admitted he would love to remain with Newcastle, despite being unsure as to whether his place in the team is secure.
Just a month ago, he was left out of Alan Pardew's matchday squad to play Tottenham, but since then, there's been a huge turnaround in fortunes for the 24-year-old midfielder.
He stepped into the injured Cheik Tiote's boots for the last three games and has proven to be a stalwart in the heart of the Magpies' engine room.
Although the former Liverpool man could end up leaving St James' Park in the summer on a free, Gutherie remains sure that his future remains at the North East giants.
"There's no bitterness. The manager picks the team and that's that," he told the Daily Mirror.
"It's been a frustrating few months. I was injured in pre-season for the second time in a row and that makes it really difficult. You feel like you're always playing catch-up.
"It's a bit of a double-edged sword, watching Yohan Cabaye and Tiote do so well. It's frustrating because you're desperate to be playing, but it's also great to watch them playing like that, because you want the team to do well.
"You can still take pleasure from watching them do a great tackle or play a really good ball. Some of the things Cheik, in particular, does, you just have to sit back and admire."
Deal
"The priority has been nailing my place down in the team, then thoughts can turn to talks about a contract. I'm desperate to stay though."
Danny Guthrie on Newcastle
Quotes of the week
Newcastle are expected to open talks on a fresh deal, and Guthrie added: "It's brilliant to hear talk about a new contract. There's been no rush to this point.
"Even though I'm out of contract in the summer, it's been important for me to concentrate on playing well.
"The priority has been nailing my place down in the team, then thoughts can turn to talks about a contract. I'm desperate to stay though.
"I really enjoy it here and have loved working under the manager. I've had a few in my time! It seems like he's (Pardew) here for the long haul, so hopefully I will be too.
"It would be brilliant to become firmly established as a week in, week out Premier League player.
"I'm at a good age now, I'm settled and I feel as though I'm ready to start hitting my peak as a player."
