Ambrose planning to oust Bowyer

Last updated : 09 June 2003 By Martyn Elliott

It had been reported that the 19-year-old had been bought for the long-term, but Ambrose himself is keen to force his way into the first team straight away and is unconcerned by the added competition for places that Bowyer’s imminent arrival will bring.

"There has been talk of me being sent out on loan for a spell, but I want to do all I can to stay at St James's Park," he told The Journal.

"I knew when I came here that the competition for places would be fierce and the signing of Lee Bowyer, who like me can play wide on the right or in the centre, has made it even fiercer.

"I was a little surprised when we got him but, to be fair, I rate him very highly as a player and I think he is an excellent signing for the club.

"He will add some bite to the crop of midfielders we have at the club and that can only be good news for the club as a whole.

"I'm one of the youngest of the midfielders at the club and I cannot expect to be an automatic choice, but neither can any of the other lads.

"All I can do is get my head down, have a good pre-season and hopefully force the manager to pick me."