Steve and Rafa are dancing to the same Toon

Findlay so glad to be learning from two top coaches

“It ’s incredible to be working with someone who has that experience.

“When he came in we all had a one-to-one chat with him. I told him my natural position was at centre-back. But since he has put me in at left-back, he has helped with things like positional awareness.

“At Newcastle I was lucky enough to work with Benitez a few times.

“The way he and the gaffer here approach things, there are similarities in terms of how deta i led they are . It ’ s something that’s bred into these top coaches. I’m learning from the best all the time.

“I feel lucky to work with guys like this at such a young age. The stuff I’m learning will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career.”

Findlay’s move f rom Park head to Ty neside surprised a few people but he was often captain for Peter Beardsley’s U23 side.

Despite being shipped back to Killie this term, he doesn’t regret the switch to England.

He’s due back in Newcastle at the end of the season but admits all he can think about is helping Clarke’s men climb up the Premiership table.

Findlay said: “You try to plan the future but it doesn’t work like that in football.

“All I’m thinking about is the Aberdeen game and producing a good performance.

“I owe that to Kilmarnock and the fans.

“Newcastle take a big interest in how I’m getting on.

“They’re ful ly aware of what’s happening at the club and how I’m developing.

“When I left Celtic and signed for Newcastle people