MATT RITCHIE is convinced Newcastle United will not be struggling in the Premier League this season – regardless of what happens during the rest of the transfer window.

The Scotland international is certain Rafael Benitez can guide the Magpies to a relatively successful first season back in the top-flight.

Benitez added Stoke City striker Joselu, who trained with his new team-mates in front of a 5,000 crowd at a St James’ Park open day yesterday, to his squad on Wednesday in a £5m deal.

He will be thrust straight into contention to figure against Huddersfield Town on Sunday, when Newcastle will look to overcome one of the other promoted sides and there is sure to be a party atmosphere inside the John Smith’s Stadium.

Despite starting the campaign in defeat to Tottenham last weekend, Ritchie doesn’t believe Newcastle will have any problems adapting to life back in the top tier of the English game.

Ritchie said: "I don't think we're going to struggle. I think every game is going to be tough, don't get me wrong, but we've got positivity throughout the group and hopefully we can continue to work as we did on Sunday, especially first-half when we sort of had control of the game.

"We can't afford to think of Huddersfield as a struggling team this season. Last season they were a very good side and this season as well they've strengthened. I like the way they play and it's going to be a tough task.”

Huddersfield could not have wished for a better start after defeating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park comfortably.

Ritchie said: "That can work both ways. They can be very confident and under-estimate us, although I'm sure they won't.

“I think the manager's very good there and they're a hungry group of lads and have a very good team. We're very wary of them and we've looked at their strengths and weaknesses and will look to do our job and put in a good performance.”

Much has been made of Benitez’s lack of progress on the transfer front while he has waited for managing director Lee Charnley to bring in the calibre and quantity of players he has wanted.

The players are keen to avoid talking about that but the spirit within the group of players Benitez has is strong – even if there was no sign of Tim Krul, Jack Colback or Grant Hanley during open training.

Just because of an opening weekend defeat to Tottenham there will be no great concern going into game two.

Ritchie said: "Of course it’s don't panic. The manager wants us to stay focused and one of his biggest strengths is that he never panics. That spreads throughout the group, the group are very calm and we go focused to Huddersfield.

"The manager stresses to keep on an even keel whether you've won or lost. We've got a young group and it's important for us not to get ahead of ourselves if we get good results, and not to worry too much if we don't pick up the results we want.

"We lost our first two games last season and there was no panic. I'm not saying that's going to happen again but whatever happens there'll be no panic.”

Ritchie was one of the star performers of the Championship title winning season following his £12m move from Bournemouth; a decision to drop down a division which he feels has been vindicated.

He said: "The most disappointing thing is that we did so well to keep it at 0-0 against Tottenham for so long but it was always going to be an uphill task once they scored their first goal, especially with ten men but there were a lot of positives to take.

"I'd like to score double figures if possible, and the same for assists. It's a tough league but it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to. I got five with Bournemouth in the Premier League a couple of years ago, so I'm setting the bar high this year.

"It's nice to be back in the Premier League, the big difference of course is the speed on the ball and the quality you're facing. You might get away with a mistake or two in the Championship, but in the Premier League those get punished."

Benitez continues to wait for updates on the transfer front, although nothing is imminent ahead of the trip to Huddersfield. Chelsea winger Kenedy and Arsenal’s Lucas Perez are two of his top targets.