... the Toon boss says he will push him for England recognition!
Shola underwent hip surgery in November, an operation performed by Colorado-based specialist Dr Marc Philippon, and apparently everything is ahead of plan.
Roeder: "Shola has been back to Colarado this week seeing Mr Philippon. Without getting too excited, he said that at this moment in time, he could not be one per cent more pleased with Shola's progress.
"Michael Owen will attract all the attention when he returns, but Shola is a fans' favourite. He has great technical ability. I have a great relationahip with him off the pitch and I will get Shola pushing hard for an England place.
"It's a long way away, but it's a goal which should be at the back of his mind. First he has to get back fully fit, get his shirt back and hold his place down. But then he can get the attention of the England manager."
Roeder certainly has more faith in him than one former England manager, Sir Bobby Robson, who told us at a talk-in that Ameobi would struggle to cut in the Premiership because he was "too gangly".