By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Midfielder Danny Guthrie has been a key player in United's surge up the Premier League table this season, and told the official matchday programme that he is spurred on by proving the critics wrong

Life is good for United midfielder Danny Guthrie right now.

Playing in his favoured position, arguably in the form of his life and having a key role in the Magpies' battle with the big boys at the right end of the Premier League table - Guthrie certainly has plenty to smile about.

Before the start of the current season, and with big names departing the Club, many outside the city predicted Newcastle to struggle during 2011/12.

And even when a 14-match unbeaten run at the beginning of the campaign was put together, the critics waited for the bubble to burst.

However, Guthrie and Co have used those jibes to spur them on, and subsequently with 23 games played the Magpies are still flying high in the top flight.

"If I'm honest, I knew we would do well but I probably didn't think we would be doing this well," the former Liverpool youngster told the official matchday programme.

"But we picked up some great results at the start of the season that made us think we could match anyone, and as the season has gone on your belief grows and we now go into every game thinking we can win and not lose.

"We are there on merit and we are looking to stay there.

"I think the staff and the players have it in the back of their minds what people were saying during the summer.

"We don't want to prove anyone right pundit-wise and in the media. It's a good weapon for us to use.

"They have been waiting and are still waiting for the bubble to burst and we don't want to give them the opportunity to get on to us."

When you sit down with Guthrie you instantly become aware that this is a young man who exudes confidence.

But there is not a hint of arrogance from the 24-year-old, instead just a determined and correct belief that he is more than a back-up for Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote, and is fully deserving of his place at the current forefront of manager Alan Pardew's thoughts.

A season interrupted by injury has still seen Guthrie make 11 appearances in the black and white stripes, catching the eye in each of those.

And he is loving life in the heart of the Magpies team, believing that while he can learn plenty from his colleagues, they can also do the same from him.

"Playing in the middle of the park isn't something which has always happened for me here. But it's where I play my best stuff," Guthrie explained.

"I was injured in pre-season, came back, did well and then got injured again. But I got fit again, am playing well and am pretty pleased with how things are going.

"I knew I would get a chance at some point this season, but obviously I have to stay fit to get that chance which is what I've managed to do for large parts of the season.

"When you come in you've got to play well, which I have done as well.

"I'm loving it if I'm honest. Obviously every player is happy when they are playing, and especially because I'm playing well I'm very happy. Long may that continue.

"We've got competition all round the squad, from the full-backs to the strikers - it's not just in midfield.

"There's competition and that is healthy for the Club. It's a big factor in where we are.

"I think you can learn form the players around, and you can learn from anyone you play with, especially if they are from abroad.

"Cheick and Yohan are totally different players, as I am to them, and I would like to think that we all learn from each other.

"But as for competition, it's been brilliant. Any of the three of us can slot in and do a good job and that is good for the manager.

"He knows that if anyone is suspended or injured then the player who comes in will be able to fit in seamlessly."

The squad as a whole - and a real team ethic - is a big factor behind Newcastle's success so far this season.

And that is a far cry to when Guthrie first arrived on Tyneside in July 2008.

He entered a dressing room full of star names, but United ended up unsuccessfully battling against relegation.

Now part of a Club going places once again, the midfielder admits it is a case of finding the right parts to fit the jigsaw, as opposed to 'trophy' signings.

He said: "This is my fourth season now and it's been up and down - a bit of a rollercoaster.

"There's been a lot of changes, but these are definitely the best times since I've been at the Club.

"It's probably the best side I've played in since I've been here, and there's a great balance to it. There's different formations we can play, different personnel, different styles.

"When I first arrived there were probably a lot more big names in the dressing room, but this squad of players we've got are completely different and there is a real belief and team ethic about everything we do.

"They were top, top players but it didn't work out for whatever reason. Now we seem to be a better team but there aren't as many star names - yet. But the team is the most important thing."

Last weekend United found themselves dumped out of the FA Cup at the hands of Championship side Brighton.

It was a disappointing result in a competition which they had high hopes of excelling in, but focus is now firmly back on the Premier League and keeping in touch with the top sides.

"We looked at our aims for this section of the season and we are well on track," explained Guthrie.

"We had two good wins against Manchester United and QPR in January. Yes, we had a disappointing one against Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend, but it's back to the league this week and if we can get a win then we are putting ourselves in a great position again.

"With the season we've had so far, if we could build on it in the second half of the season then who knows where we could finish.

"Next year we want to build on it again, and if that happens you would be looking at Europe. The Club looks like it's going places."

Aston Villa are the visitors to the Sports Direct Arena today, and having battled for a share of the spoils in the reverse fixture in September, Guthrie is well aware of just how tough a test they will pose.

However, he believes the Toon Army can once again prove to be a 12th man and roar the Magpies on to victory.

"Villa have got really good players all around the team," he said.

"They have had some great results this season but some disappointing ones too.

"We played them earlier in the season, we played really well down there and got a 1-1 draw. So we know it will be tough game but a good game.

"But we are at home and we are really strong at home. We get the fans behind us, get on the front foot and get at teams.

"We have looked really strong at home and we love playing there."