How Far Down The Pecking Order Is Ameobi?
Last updated : 07 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
United drew 3-3, with the other goal coming from James Troisi.
Ameobi looks to have tough season ahead of him with United bringing in two more top class strikers (Alan Smith and Mark Viduka) to compliment the class we already have in Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins.
So where does this put Shola in the pecking order of strikers?
He claims he isn't that bothered who is ahead of him, just as he played a major role in United's front-line when he faced stiff competition from Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert.
He has warned his rival strikers that he will not be content to sit on the bench this season as he aims to put 12 months of injury frustration behind him.
Ameobi: "The injury is over and I am only looking forward. I want to play a big part for Newcastle this season. I feel I have to do that. I am nearly 26 and I want to be playing football week in, week out.
"I am mentally stronger now after what has happened to me with the injury. I think it will help me in the long run and now I just have to produce performances which keep me in the team.
"My aim is to get into the first-team starting line-up and stay there, to become the gaffer's first-choice striker. I am not getting any younger and the days of having potential and promise are over. I now have to prove it on the pitch.
"I have always been a competitive person. Just ask Alan Shearer. He was in the side, but that didn't put me off because I love the competition for places.
"It keeps me on my toes and as a striker I think you need to be looking over your shoulder all the time and wondering which players the manager is going to favour. It keeps you fresh.
"I think I deserved to be in the side when I played and I believe I am good enough to be in the starting line-up now. I know what I can do, but I also know that Newcastle are a big club and they need fully-fit strikers, which is what I have to prove.
"The hip has got a lot better and I don't feel any problem with the hip at all, so I am looking forward to helping Newcastle get back to where we belong this season.
"There is a big emphasis in my life to get fit and stay fit. At the moment I feel wonderful and that has to remain. I have missed far too many games, but I now feel stronger and fitter than ever before. Now all I need is match fitness and I'll be ready. It has been a very tough year for me with the hip injury. As a player, all I want to do is play football every day, so when you cannot do that it hits you hard.
"It can get very frustrating. I am pleased it is all over and I really believe the injury I had is now in the past. I just hope and pray I do the business this season because Newcastle fans have still not seen the best of me.
"My game is improving all the time. I know I can score a lot of goals in the Premiership given the chance. I have to take that chance when it comes along."