Danny Guthrie is on the mark for Oakengates Athletic

Former top flight midfielder Danny Guthrie is maintaining his fitness levels back in familiarly territory after turning out for the amateur side.

The ex-Liverpool, Newcastle, Reading and Blackburn man grew up in Donnington and has been reunited with lifelong friend Shaun Hughes, manager of the Sportsjam Regional League Premier Division outfit.

Guthrie, who has turned out for Hughes in a pre-season match in previous close-seasons, featured and scored in Athletic’s 4-1 win at Madeley Sports on Saturday.

The 30-year-old, who went to Thomas Telford School as a youngster, was a trainee at Manchester United and Liverpool but is currently without a club after being released by Blackburn in the summer.

Hughes said: “We’re just keeping him on his toes while he’s here sorting out personal things.

“He has lots of offers and I don’t expect to have him available for Saturday’s home game against Gobowen.

“Danny trains every day. So when I put a session on he comes along. All of his friends play for my team. We all grew up together.

“I was a little older than him but we were on the same estate and I looked out for him.

“He’s just keeping fit for pre-season. He had to sign a form to play and we put that to his agent to make sure it was OK.

“We’re close friends and he’s done really well for himself.” Hughes added: “We’re a quality side anyway with players from three or four levels above.”