Shola Ameobi: “I’m excited about what’s happening.
“Newcastle is what I’ve known all my life. It’s a club that I’ve loved playing for, but I’m a realistic guy, and I know at times people have to move on.
“Who’s to say I won’t be here next year?
“I don’t know what will happen between now and the start of next season.
“Basically, I’m trying to focus on the present.
“A lot of it is hearsay. I could be anywhere.
“I can’t do anything about that, but what I can do is try to work hard and help us win a game before the end of the season.
“It had been a while since I’d scored in the Premier League.
“It was huge pressure off my back. It was obviously starting to build up. I’m delighted just to be playing again.
“I had a couple of months where I didn’t start a game, and I’ve started two on the trot.
“Hopefully, I can show the manager that I’m worthy of a place between now and the end of the season. That’s my focus.
“Hopefully, I can get some form and help us win some games and score some goals.
“This is the Premier League, and if you go out with a gameplan, and you work hard, you can win games.
“I’m sure there’ll be a few shock results before the end of the season, and we have to make sure Monday night will be one of them.
“No one will be expecting any from us. We have to go there and win.
“For me, it’s about giving a performance that warrants getting that result.”