Shola Ameobi Bio Send To Friend  

Ameobi progressed through the youth ranks with Newcastle United yet he seems likely to seek his fortune outside of his hometown club.

A loan spell at Stoke City during 2007/8 signalled he was surplus to requirements at St James' Park.

He was originally given his head during the 2000/01 season when exciting performances in the reserves prompted Bobby Robson to promote him to the first team squad and reward him with a new four-year contract.

The player made his debut for the Magpies in a 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea in the Premiership in September 2000.

A lanky player who often looks uncomfortable on the ball, he often manages to trick opponents in a false sense of security.

The player was a member of David Platt's England squad at the European Under-21 championships in May 2002.

In May 2004, Nigeria made an approach for Ameobi to play for their international side but Ameobi decided to stick with England.

Newcastle showed their faith in the striker by handing him a new, five-year contract in June 2004.

He started the 2006/07 season as one of the club's first choice strikers, eventually joined up front by Obafemi Martins.

But Ameobi had been struggling with a hip injury for some time and while be battled on through the pain barrier for a while he was eventually forced to have an operartion in mid-November. That ruled him out until the final two games of the season, when he took his appearance record to 225.

With Owen fit and Mark Viduka part of the Newcastle ranks, Ameobi looks like being no more than a bit-part for the north-east club.