The sun was out and the mood was suitably bright as Newcastle United - who have won their last two Premier League matches - prepared for their visit to Liverpool.
The Reds have not quite hit the heights of last term, when they won their first league title in 30 years, but remain formidable opponents and Anfield has not been a happy hunting ground for the Magpies in recent seasons.
But Steve Bruce will have been delighted that Allan Saint-Maximin, who was hurt during a scintillating individual display against West Ham last weekend, and Fabian Schär, who has been out of action since February, were involved in Thursday's training session as United geared up for the game.
Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden remain sidelined while Ryan Fraser and Karl Darlow are doubts for the weekend, but Andy Carroll, Jonjo Shelvey and Javier Manquillo are all vying to face their old club. Serena Taylor brought nufc.co.uk this gallery from Newcastle's Benton base.