Sven impressed by Shola

Last updated : 18 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Shola’s recent performances have been vastly improved and that fact has not been lost on Sven who has either watched or sent Tord Grip to watch Newcastle on a number of occasions since Christmas.

"Ameobi is much better than when I first saw him," the Swede said. "He is getting stronger and his first touch has improved a lot."

Shola has some work to do to earn a call up though as Eriksson also admits to being impressed by Emile Heskey, Francis Jeffers, Wayne Rooney, Alan Smith, Robbie Fowler, Darius Vassell, Jermain Defoe and James Beattie.