Chris Hughton: “His contributions have been excellent.
“His contribution regarding goals has been a great asset for us at the start of this season and we have to replace that.
“Shola has been a really important part of things so far this season.
“It’s not just goals.
“It’s his influence off the field.
“When a centre-forward is scoring goals, it lifts the confidence.
“For him as a person around the place he’s been on a high.
“He’s scored goals and has played well, he’ll be a big miss.
“His career here has contained highs and lows, like most players, but the most important thing has been that he’s played well.
“With him being a Newcastle lad who has a feel for this club, he will be fighting as much as anybody to be back.”